Hood-joint is worn-out • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Dick Landy** » 06 Jul 2006 10:33

Hello,
I have a problem with my hood-joint of my Challenger, it is
worn-out. Is it possible to repair it or better, can I buy a new one somewhere? Thanks for your help.

by **ianandjess** » 06 Jul 2006 10:45

you should be able to repin it or make some bushes for it i have the same problem & i think i might try making brass bushes
cheers ian

by **R DOGG** » 01 Feb 2007 4:35

I just purchaced a set of rebuilt hood hinges from a company called SMS auto restoration services. They specialize in rebuilding hood, door hinges and other misc. mopar parts. A bit pricey at $300.00, but if my core hinges are deemed repairable they will credit me back $100. Service was polite and fast. I do believe that they are the only game in town as far as getting a tight pair of hood hinges. 1970's cars and trucks all had bad hood hinges within the first ten years of life due to the weight of the hoods. I would not recommend a used set of hinges due to this fact. The pair that I got fits perfectly. I did have to remove the spring to see where to set the hinge while it was in the closed position. This is a difficult hinge to adjust compared to other makes. Website adress for this company is www.smsmopar.com Good luck.

by **Eddie** » 01 Feb 2007 17:40

I used SMS as well Dogg. Very pleased with the quality and accuracy. Fits and "feels" like a brand new part ready for paint and bolt on.

by **R DOGG** » 02 Feb 2007 7:45

WORD! I just hope that they will refund my core charge. I sent them my original Challenger hinges and a set of 73 Charger hinges that I thought would work. They look almost identical but are slightl;y different at the rear. I will let you know how they handled this matter. However I would like to make a complaint about another vendor. Autobody specialties from Middlebury Conneticut. I have recently purchaced a whole lot of sheet metal for my current project, 74 Challenger, from this company. Just got trunk floor extensions that were not even close to fitting. Off by TWO INCHES!! Non Goodmark part. Called the company, talked to the owner Roger, and he pretty much told me to pound sand. I was told, he sell's hundred's of these a year and I was the first one to complain. If I had a dime for every time I had heard this phrase over my carrer I would not be restoring this car. I would paying some one else. I have been told this phrase so many times, that at this years SEMA event the buddies that I was with made a bet with me to see how many times I would be told this "LAME EXCUCE". The total after one day of wearing out a perfectly good pair of shoes was only one. Oh well, I guess I did not have a lot to complain about, except that company that sold me that suspension drop kit for my 04 F-150. But seriously that phrase really gets me mad. Oh well I made these bad parts fit by cutting off the extra two inche's and tig welding a new fourty five degree angle on. So the story has a happy ending. My right side trunk floor fits as of 2/1/07. Next week I will tackle the left quarter, wheelhouse, inner rocker, outer rocker, inner quarter, inner wheelhouse, left side trunk floor, left side rear rail, rear body panel, ugh.

by **Eddie** » 02 Feb 2007 14:43

WOW, he told you to pound sand huh. Auto body specialties? I have never dealt with them. Thanks for the "heads up" he should have took them back from you.