Hood latch adjustment?

[sandspringsfestiva]

My hood on my 1988 Festiva is sitting lower than it should be and doesn't line up with the top of the fenders. Can anyone explain on how to adjust the height of the hood when closed?

[perucho]

Does it sit lower in the front or the back (or both)?

[Safety Guy]

A couple of ideas, not necessarily the best:

If your front area is low, check the rubber cushion stops that the hood rests on. Also check the alignment of the latch itself. You may be able to move it upwards slightly.

If the back of your hood is low, adjust it by loosening the four bolts attaching it to the hinges. Have someone help you with it as you move the hood up at the rear. If you really wanted to, you could possibly oval out the holes in the hinges to get more "travel."

Again, not necessarily the best, but if no one has any better, give it some thought.

(Could also be your fenders aren't on properly, I suppose.)

Karl

[htchbck]

Karl is right on both methods of fixing the problem. I doubt it is the fenders, they allow a little movement forward and backward, but up and down is pretty much set on them since the top bolts straight down through to the car. Unless the frame is bent...

[sandspringsfestiva]

Thanks Safety Guy. You were right on the money with suggesting the rubber cushion stops. I removed the old ones and replaced them with the longer one found on the read hatch. I closed the hood and it fits tight and level with the fenders. Looking good!

A couple of ideas, not necessarily the best:

If your front area is low, check the rubber cushion stops that the hood rests on. Also check the alignment of the latch itself. You may be able to move it upwards slightly.

If the back of your hood is low, adjust it by loosening the four bolts attaching it to the hinges. Have someone help you with it as you move the hood up at the rear. If you really wanted to, you could possibly oval out the holes in the hinges to get more "travel."

Again, not necessarily the best, but if no one has any better, give it some thought.

(Could also be your fenders aren't on properly, I suppose.)

Karl

[Safety Guy]

Good deal! If only everything was as easy, eh?

Karl