Hood Fit

Tips on re installing hood.  Not fitting right.  Thanks  

my 50 took a lot of playing ,but it seems any hood adjustment is backwards to what you think it should move,but what is adjusted good the gaps on these trucks are pretty cruid from factory!!!!  

Funny you should mention this. I am in the process of attempting to fit my hood on my 53'. I am finding a couple of problems.
1) Rear hood line does not match the cowl line in a few places, especially the lower left.
2) The left hood line and fender line do not match contours toward the front. The right lines up nicely.
3) The left fender protrudes about 3/8 -1/2" forward of the other, even though the rear of the fenders line up almost exactly the same on the cowl-door space. I have templated them and they match well. Within 1/16" at any given point.

I have run into several fitment problems in re-doing my cab, doors, etc. In fact, they had left out a spot weld at the bottom of one of the door cab corners in order for it and the door to line up even close. The lower cab corner was out almost 1/2" more than the other side. I was forced on each door to separate the perimeter of the door shells from the window sills down and re-fit and weld the seam. There was no way to get the doors to line up with the opening otherwise. Both window frames had to be welded up around the perimeter to get them to match the opening. The door hinges on one side had to be completely re-worked, re-bent in order to have the doors shut and line up. There was not enough adjustment in the hinges to bring the front of the door in line with the cowl. I installed Baer Claw latches so the doors would shut consitently. Even with new striker plates, the doors would not shut consistently and there was too much play for my liking. this is not a restoration, but I am building the truck with all modern running gear and a fairly stock exterior.

I have the feeling that they just didnt take much time with body fitment on these trucks as they were just that, trucks. Keeping in mind that body fitment quality on any cars of the day were ok at best.

If you would like to correspond and check notes through our process of restoration, just e-mail me at:
jwarner@comast.net