The hood is heavy and somewhat awkward to remove and install, so at least two people should perform this procedure. Begin by using blankets or pads to cover the cowl area and
Fenders to protect the body and paint during the hood removal. Disconnect any cables or wire harnesses that may interfere with the process. Scribe or draw alignment marks around the bolt washers to ensure proper alignment upon reinstallation, using a marking pen to create a line around the hood bolts while having an assistant support the weight of the hood. Remove the hinge bracket-to-hood bolts and lift off the hood, with installation being the reverse of removal. For adjustment, fore-and-aft and side-to-side alignment can be achieved by moving the hinge plate in relation to the inner fender panel after loosening the bolts. Scribe a line around the hinge plate to judge movement, then loosen the bolts and adjust the hood into the correct alignment, tightening the hinge bolts or nuts and carefully lowering the hood to check alignment. If necessary, the entire
Hood Latch assembly can be adjusted up-and-down and side-to-side on the radiator support to ensure the hood closes securely and is flush with the fenders. Scribe a line around the hood latch mounting bolts for reference, loosen the bolts, and reposition the latch assembly as needed, adjusting the hood closed height by moving the latch up or down before retightening the mounting bolts. Finally, adjust the hood bumpers on the radiator support to ensure the hood is flush with the fenders when closed, threading the rubber bumper in or out for fine adjustments. Periodically lubricate the hood latch assembly and hinges with white lithium-based grease to prevent sticking and wear.