Expert: jack bahm - 11/3/2008

Question
Hi,
I removed the hood from my 1930 Ford Model A to access the engine better, and now I can't get it mack on. I needed to replace the hood hinges, and they are identical to the originals. The hood lines up, but the screws don't. Is there a trick to putting this back on? Am I possibly using the wrong hinges, even though they line up perfectly, or do they need adjusting to the car? Thanks a lot!
-Scott Johnson

Answer
The only hinges I know of are the two 1/4 in. rods.  We replace those two rods with 1/4 in. (brass) brazing rods.  They won't rust.  Maybe you are talking about the two pivots at the front and rear of the hood.  If the screw holes don't line up on the new pivot (rear only), then you have the wrong pivot.  Why replace it?  I have never seen one go bad.  That is the only place screws are used.  I really don't understand your question.  For the whole hood, the only screws are the two at the rear of the center rod.  The hinge is made up of the side panels and the top panels, held together with a 1/4 in. rod.  I don't know what Hinges you replaced.  Better come back to me with a little more explaination.  The hood should come off and go right back on.  We do it all the time.  Are you talking about the "hold downs"?  They use screws.
jack