Aligning FG front lid

[super80]

Very slow progress on my 77 911s backdate project. Finally got around to fitting the TRE backdate FG front lid and need to tweak the fitment. Overall, it is sitting way too high on the car in comparison to the fenders when it should be more flush. I attached some photos. I searched the forum and read that the three bolts which hold each hinge to the body offer some alignment capabilities, but after loosening those bolts, it only seems to move the lid fore and aft, not up and down. I did not completely remove the three bolts on the hinge.

Also, I am reusing the existing rubber hood seal, perhaps this is adding to the problem? I did notice that the hood is quite light and does not compress the seal like a steel hood would.

Any tips?

[super80]

[cabmandone]

take your hood supports off and see what happens. If the hood is substantially lighter than a steel hood it will push the back of the hood up near the cowl panel like in your pics.

Just read your OP again. FG hood needs weaker hood supports as I have heard. I can't say firsthand but I sold a FG hood and was told it takes a shock that is "worn"

[Elombard]

If worse comes to worse you may have to "oval" the 3 bolt holes on the hinges so they can be lowered. Maybe the pros will chime in...thats sort of permanent.

[super80]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Just read your OP again. FG hood needs weaker hood supports as I have heard. I can't say firsthand but I sold a FG hood and was told it takes a shock that is "worn"

I removed the hood shocks completely, after reading in a few other threads that the FG hoods are too light and flexible to use shocks

[cabmandone]

Okay, make sure you don't have the latch mechanism on the hood, loosen the three bolts that hold the hinge to the frame and gently press down. The hinges should be able to roll forward which should lower the back of the hood where it meets with the cowl. I fought mine and ended up using a die grinder and making more adjustment in my hinge to get mine to line up. I've read that you can use worn shocks with a FG hood. If you want to test the theory, I think I have some old shocks around.

[super80]

Thanks cabmando, will try a few things tomorrow evening after work.

[Tom '74 911]

I think cabmanado is correct, that the holes in the hinge, where they bolt to the inside of the trunk are a little enlarged or oblong. Hopefully you can get enough adjustment out of them to let the hood sit flush.

[super80]

Traded emails with David at TRE, and he suggested to raise the cowl a bit via the cowl brace in the trunk. Will try a few of these things in the next few days and post my results.

Thanks!