How to Replace a Car Hood
by Shayrgo BaraziIf you have gotten into a front-end collision or would like to upgrade your hood to one that is lighter or one that has a hood scoop, you will need to replace your hood. Replacing the hood seems like a task for a body shop but is actually one of the simplest things you can do on your vehicle if you have a helper to give you a hand.
Step 1
Open the hood and prop.
Step 2
Instruct your helper to go to one side of the hood while you remain on the other.
Step 3
Use an appropriately sized ratchet to loosen the two bolts at the base of the hood where it attaches to the hinges that allow it to move up and down.
Step 4
Give your helper the ratchet that you were using and instruct him/her to remove the other two bolts holding the hood. Make sure to hold the hood firmly while your helper is removing the final two bolts.
Step 5
Grasp the hood firmly and pull the prop rod out of the hood.
Step 6
Remove the hood from the hinges and place it out of your work area.
Step 7
Install the new hood on the hinges and prop it with the prop rod.
Step 8
Tighten all four bolts with a ratchet.
Step 9
Close the hood.
References
- "Automotive Repair and Rebuilding"; Jeffrey J. Rehkopf; 2006
Tips
- The hood may not be aligned correctly in relation to the fenders once you have closed the hood. If this is the case, loosen the bolts slightly and reposition the hood until there is an even gap on both sides of the hood, then tighten the bolts securely.
Things You'll Need
- Helper
- Ratchet
- Sockets
- New Hood
Warnings
- Wear safety glasses when replacing your hood to avoid eye injury.
- Lift with your legs when lifting hood to avoid back injury.
Writer Bio
Shayrgo Barazi is a college graduate with a degree in automotive engineering technology (B.S.c.) from Ferris State University. He is a successful writer and has taken a college level technical writing course. He currently works for Time Wave Media writing automotive DIY articles. He has an intuition for technology and has the capacity to write, too.
