1940 hood removal

[kgreen]

Started the disassembly process on the 40, starting with the front end for better access to the chassis.  I contorted in all manner of positions getting the hood off once it was loose.  I was imagining the hood replacement process once it was freshly painted.  The way I took it off is not the way it can go back on without damaging the paint.  Once the hood is loose, how have you safely re-installed the hood with great care?  

[Guest buickguyflint]

There is a nut holding the windshield end of the hood center molding and hinge combination. It is located under the cowl and needs to

be loosened to allow that end of the hood to be removed. You will see it under the dash panel but you may have to

remove the radio to access the nut.

The other end of the hood at the front is held in by a clip on the drivers side of the hood and is visible at the front on

that side, just remove the bolt and washer. I believe the badge has to be loosened to allow the hood to be removed

as it holds the molding where it joins with the lower front  center molding under the Buick badge.

Then by placing the hoods both up and together it can be lifted at the front and pulled out carefully from the rear center

molding to remove. Place padding in between the hood surfaces to protect. I didn't mention the removal of the bolts

from the hood supports on the firewall as well. Good Luck. Jim

[Daves1940Buick56S]

If you have the Torpedo body (50 or 70 series) for that year you do not have to go behind the cowl, but if you have it off you already know this. I have had my hood off 4 times so far, so I am now a minor expert! The best way to replace is 3 people, one on ea side and one in the front. The clamshell hood is rather, er, dynamic so 3 people will keep it stable. Just walk it over the car from the front an set it in place, making sure the front trim goes behind the emblem. Then using one of your helpers to keep it steady and another to hold up one of the sides, put in the nut in the rear and 2 screws in the middle. Then do the stays in the rear and do any adjustments so it fits properly and tighten up everything. Kind of an art, really. I wish the 40s had the alligator hood!

 

Cheers, Dave

[Gary Best]

Any idea of how to mount these? 

Also any pictures of the hood latching assembly? 1940 Buick Special 4 door touring sedan 

Edited May 22, 2023 by Gary Best
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