Hood alignment issue...Need help

[BRONCITIS74]

When I bought my 74, the hood stuck out past the grill by about 1/4" on one side. I replaced floors, door posts, cowl, kick panels, and inner fenders. I checked a couple times during this and the hood fit pretty well. Yesterday I got the hood on, and it looks like both sides stick out past the grill by about 1/4" or so. I've looked and looked and can't see any way to remedy this. Should I leave it and say it is what it is or have any of you guys had this problem and figured a way to fix it. All help is certainly appreciated

 

[surfer-b]

if all seems are even, both sides and even across the hood to window frame, you can loosen the fender bolts an actually pull the whole front clip forward, it only needing a 1/4" should be no problem, but you don't want to go too much or the door to fender gaps will be too much. Also make sure the hood hinges are not bent so as to push the hood out. If its not even then you will have to work it out according to how much and where its needed. Pics would be good on this so we can see what is needed

 

[SHX669]

Is this a fiberglass or steel hood ? I've seen several glass ones that weren't -ah - "right"
You can place a couple of shims at the hood hinge to align it left right and out . I believe most of the vendors sell them.

 

[Crush]

It may also be the fenders too far in. How is the door alignment and gaps

 

[pcf_mark]

I slaved over my gaps for weeks on the doors and fenders then my hood fit like that took. I was pretty unhappy with it. I went back and jockeys the doors and fenders around this time with the hood on and made it about 1/8 over hang. It still bothers me and when I paint it again I am going to cut the hood skin and support then weld it back together. I'm a nut.

 

[BRONCITIS74]

Those are some great ideas. My hood is the original steel hood. My door gaps are kind of tight at the top and a little wider at the bottom. I screwed around with the doors and body mounts for 3 weeks and finally decided it wasn't going to get any better. The gaps are acceptable but far from perfect. I've seen a lot worse. I will check the hinges again and go from there. It's going to be painted next month and I'm trying to get everything fit before then.

 

[JohnJohn]

I was able to get my hood 1/8" further in by using a body hammer on the hinges right where the two pieces of the hinge meet. You can gently fold the hinge in toward the hood that will pull the whole hood in.
I don't think I have any pics of my hinge mod.

 

[bamabaja]

So I know no "perfect gap" from the factory, but what is the goal for acceptable gaps ? I saw a guy on YouTube using a wood paint stirrer as a guide to check his gaps.

 

[pcf_mark]

I use the paint stick too. Cheap and wont harm anything. Plus you can wrap some paper around them when perfecting your gaps! 3/16 is pretty nice most panels won't make contact. I will say the front of the Bronco hood moves side to side pretty good even when latched and I have chips and I never go off road.

 

[BRONCITIS74]

Only picture I have.