Friday, September 23, 2011

How do you replace a damaged car hood?

I just ordered a new hood for my car...Can I replace it myself or do I have to bring it to an auto body shop?How do you replace a damaged car hood?There will be 4 bolts, usually two on either hinge, possibly more. before starting, i noticed nobody told you that you have to disconect your sprayer nozzles and bonnet struts(the gas cylinders on either side of the hood that hold it up when its open, some cars arent fitted with these) on the hood before removing it, otherwise risk dropping the hood when you realise its still connected :P but yeah, there will be little rubber feet at the front of the hood that will also need to be moved to the new one, these are used to adjust the height of the hood when closed. and also the bonet latch will need to be shifted to the other hood before fitting, (This should all be done prior to fittin simply because its easier) so, disconect nozzles and hoses, remove rubber feet (with the rubber feet try and get them so they are screwed in the same amount as on the old hood, this makes aligning a whole lot easier) and remove latch, place all these things on the new hood, (assuming it is already painted, if not thats a whole other kettle of fish,) and then proceed with the help of someone capable of lifting a 50Kg hood. before you do anything put the hinge bolts just next to the hinge so that you can grab them with one hand, and you then need to move the hood into position with one person standing on each side next to the hinges, then you will each need to grab one of the bolts, and do it up finger tight, then the other, that will be sufficiant to hold it up nearly on its own, then one person holds it from the front middle, whilst the other does the bolts up tight. Then proceed to attach the hose and bonnet struts back up, then your done!How do you replace a damaged car hood?On most models you can replace it yourself if you have the right tooling. I know on my vehicle all i had to do is take off some bolts remove the old hood, put the new hood on, and then make sure that it is lined up correctly.How do you replace a damaged car hood?I've done this, but would not try it again.



A lot of adjustment to do, and you risk scratching the rest of the car in the process.



It's only 50 Bucks for an auto shop to do it, and well worth it.How do you replace a damaged car hood?You will need some help to do it, in your drive way. Usually there are 4 bolts (2 each hinge) that hold it in place. It does take a little bit of adjustment to realign the hood to the body. But it can be done.How do you replace a damaged car hood?Go to an aftermarket ask an employee of the shop to do the install on the side to save you the headache and give him 50$ Good Luck.How do you replace a damaged car hood?bolt off, bolt on, should be no problem, do it your self, don't be a wimp, $50 is $50 (you will need someone to help you because you can hold it and bolt it at the same time. Avoid scratching by lowering slowly to make sure it is lined up right. Note EXACTLY where the bolts went on the old hood and put them in the same place on the new hood to start.