Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Hello,
I love 32 Fords and have quite a few. I just acquired 2 roadsters and have decided to do the work myself instead of continuing to pay my mechanic $150/Hr. Huge bills, little projects!! My very first issue is getting the hood off of the hinges. Is there a trick, or do I need to unscrew the front & back brackets first in order to lift the hood off? Thanks for any advice.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Remove the front bracket and then slide the hood forward. It works best with two people.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Thank you Fritz. It's only me, but I read another thread on how to remove it with one person, so in my mind, I think I can do it by myself LOL. I'm assuming when I remove the front bracket, the rear one will continue to hold the hood secure until I pull it forward?? Thank you again!!

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Hi,

It is unwieldy to do it by yourself. I did it by myself but if you can get help do it. The center hood stainless strip "hinge" slides into both the front and rear brackets. Once the front is removed, you only slip it forward an inch or so and it comes off the rear bracket too.

What is the link to the other instructions you found please?

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Just for a fun reply; lets take the hood off a F900 two step ladders and at least
three people and maybe a chain fall.. LOL T, a A, a 32, is candy for a baby....As said
remove front clip, grab hood on the sides slide toward you a little and lift up that weighs about as much of a bag of cat litter...sam


strike this as cabin fever !!

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Its not the weight that's a problem, its the awkward shape and position that makes it hard.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Glennpm, thank you!! I will try to learn how to attach the link here for the steps. There were some really good ideas about lifting the hood by yourself. I could have sworn I saw your name on those posts, but I might be wrong. It was from 2016 and I guy was trying to get his hood off his Model A, but same circumstances, he was alone with no one to help. The best one I saw< in my opinion, was to take a blanket and spread it on the hood, raise both sides of the hood and tie or bungie the hood handles, then pull forward and lift, set on carpet or cardboard on the rear, and you're done. I agree with big_job, it isn't very heavy, but like you said, it's just awkward and especially if it's your first time. Once I do it the first time, I'm going to probably think why the hell I came out here and made a fool out of myself for something that is so minor, LOL. I'll get that link to you when I figure how to do it shortly.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Glennpm, I just found the Thread and you are not on it. I must have seen your name on another one. Let me know if this link works? I copied the link and I'm pasting it on here.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=43957
Another idea on there was to put your arms under the hood like a forklift. That seems like a good idea also. Thanks again for the help!!

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

NO offense but at 150$ hr I'd be looking for another mechanic...............


Paul in CT

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

That's about the going rate in Los Angeles. In his defense, he does excellent work and very clean and bitchin' installations, BUT, I will be getting $150 an hour now that I'm doing it. I never had a dad that was into cars, so I just started right now. I guess you're never too old to learn new tricks!! Thanks Paul

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Agreed. Especially if trying not dent it, damage the paint, or tweak it. Not heavy, just awkward and wants to fold down on to itself

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Both sides will fold up at the same time-just put some padding between them [hood tops] when up {blanket] and handle the hood as one big piece then, by gripping each end with a hand. Still not for someone strength challenged. Also the radiator support rods can hold a support of some sort. Newc

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Thanks Newc, that's exactly what I did and it worked out great!! Thanks and have a great day!!

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Good! I put a thin towel between the hood tops as well.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

My dentist doesn’t get $150 an hour, I think your mechanic is fleecing you.
The best body or restoration shops don’t charge that.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

It's a different world in CA! First time I went to the LA roadster show I set my NOS parts out and selling really well and then a guy asked me if I was going out of business because of my cheap prices!:eek:

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Heck 120-150/h for sand blasting here in the Portland Or area! :(

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

They have dentists in Tennessee? I mean, um, real dentists?
Dentists around here get a LOT more than $150 an hour around here. Of course they are licensed professionals.

And um, the "best" shops charge in excess of $150 an hour.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

Just goes to show you how much of a difference the geographical location of shops makes. Lower cost of living means lower fees. Thats why so many people are leaving Cali for other areas according to news reports.

Re: Doing Work Myself - Hood Problems
 

LOL, all of you out of Cali sure see the crap that's in this state. I'm on 5 acres in northern Los Angeles county and I'm looking to get the hell outta here now that I just retired. Any suggestions? The wife doesn't want snow 2-3 months or 120 degrees at 10 pm. Cali just isn't what it used to be. Nice weather year round, that's all we have now. Thank you all for the help and letting me into your groups.