projectpete

my car got in a fender bender and now the hood is missaligned. The gap on the left side (between the hood and fender) is smaller than the one on the right.

How do I adjust it so they are even on both sides? I tried loosening the two bolts holding the hood to the bracket but that didnt work. Also, the hood and the latch matches fine.

DJ420

iTrader: (77)

The bolts from hood to hinge have no adjustment, you need to adjust at the bolts from hinge to body. Unfortunately, access to these bolts requires that you remove the fenders, as no wrench that I am aware of will fit in the tiny amount of room they left..
The EASIER way to do it, would be to once again remove the bolts from hood to hinge.. THEN using a dremel tool or equivelent, elongate the holes in the hinge a bit, in the direction that you need to move the hood. This will allow you some adjustment room, when you replace the bolts.. and you can get it where you need it, then tighten them up nice.

DJ

Rit

iTrader: (3)

Can you just loosen the bolts that hold the fender on (you see them at the top, when the hood is open) and slide the fender towards the hood - on the side with the bigger gap. I'm just guessing on the Max, but I've done this on other cars.

DJ420

iTrader: (77)

..you may, but it looks tight in there. I dont want to advise anyone to bend it back..
DJ

JNCoRacer

iTrader: (6)

I was able to do that on my wife's 98 Max. It only needed to move less than 1/4 inch though.

DJ420

iTrader: (77)

Oh ok I get what yer saying now.. sounds logical. But what do you do if theres a gap on one side, and the other side is so close its just about touching? Pull the fender OUT on that side??
DJ