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Auto body repair & detailing/'99 Mercury Mystique Hood Replacement
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Question
Hello Mr. Forster, I recently purchased a hood to replace the damaged hood on my son's 1999 Mercury Mystique. My problem in replacement is the fact that I can't seem to get it to line up as it should in meeting the grill area and the hood (the replacement does not come all the way down and is too far up toward the wiendshield) and on the left front fender side there is a considerable space between the new hood & fender. My question is there any adjustment bolts etc. to make it fit properly? I did make the hood on at the connecting point is pulled down as far as possible with the little bit of play available. I certainly do appreciate any advice Mr. Forster.
My Regards,
Dr. Rick Hess
Hello again Rick, and thanks for the feedback. Try this on the Hinge- take out the front hinge bolt, the one closest to the radiator support, by that i mean farthest forward. Loosen the rear bolt. Now, slide 2 flat washers under the front of the hinge, between the hinge and hood, where you removed the bolt. Replace the bolt, and tighten both bolts back up. This will change the angle of the hinge when it's closed, and should bring the rear down. Also, when a car has been in an accident, things move around. Even if they replaced the radiator support, it doesn't mean that it is in the exact right position. It's not like putting a head on an engine, where the bolts line everything up. A unibody is sheet metal, and it moves around slightly during the welding process. Expansion and contraction from heat. Bodymen have to combat these forces on pretty much every car, and it's rare that a hood, or any panel, will just pop on without bunches of adjustment. Bill
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Hello Bill, and thank you so much for your rapid response! It is appreciated. The auto was involved in a collision but supposedly all body work was done except hood replacement. He wanted too darn much money for a new hood, so I got busy and found one in Dallas. It is the same year & model hood (99Mercury Mystique) as well as the same color! It just don't fit my friend! The body shop (post collision) put a new front radiator support in and some other things. The frame is fine and not out of line. Actually when the hood is closed now approximately 1/4" above the ridge at the windshield. I guess I will just go back to the body shop where it was repaired unless you have any more ideas for me. I'm thinking of taking a sledge hammer and 10 thousand pound test "come-along" to it!! Thanks again Bill...Rick | ||
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Answers by Expert:
William Forster
Expertise
22 year veteran, 2 years of vocational training. A.S.E. certified Master collision repair/refinish technician. I-CAR certified. 17 yrs. GM experience. I can answer most questions related to automotive body repairs, ranging from small scratch repairs all the way up to the most extensive collision repairs. I can expertly advise people on what to expect from their body shop experience, right down to what self repairs should, and should not, be done. Lastly, I can advise tricks and tips for classic car restoration, such as lead repairs. SORRY, I DO NOT DO ONLINE ESTIMATES OR GIVE PARTS PRICES!! BE PREPARED FOR THE CORRECT ANSWER- NOT THE ONE YOU WANT TO HEAR. I won't B.S. you, or sugar coat answers. Just plain, hard facts.
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Just about every major insurance company in NW Ohio
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