Fascia to Hood Adjustment...yes I searched.

[Matt M PA]

I did a search...but what I'm finding isn't making sense.

When my 2000 was new, the hood-fascia gap behind the headlights directly in front of the wheels was the same on both sides. Now, the driver's side is substantially wider...in fact the double the distance on the passenger side.

The gap above the headlights to the hood is almost even from side to side, and the fit to the fascia between the headlights is fine. The fascia has never been removed.

The ends of the fascia are held by a handful of small bolts that go into rivinuts in what the parts book refers to as a "radiator close-out". (On the passenger side, the close-out has the window for the coolant tank)

I've read that the rod inside the fascia needs adjustment to move the ends of the fascia. However, it is connected to the close-out...so I'm assuming the entire close-out needs to be adjusted/rotated?

I'd sure appreciate some thoughts...I seem to only need to move the driver's side of the fascia up.

 

[steel snake]

I'll be watching this one. 2000 RT10, same problem. Never bothered me enough to starting taking stuff apart. If you get some good info I might fix mine too. Good luck.

 

[dave6666]

Um, body parts don't normally move unless there's a problem with the part, or something has come undone etc. Cars usually don't age like we do and sag lol.

That being said, are you talking about the horizontal gap to the side of the headlights? That could be as simple as the hood not being latched well although the gap along the front you say in normal. Or maybe the hood stops have moved. I would, because it is cheap and a quick test, hose the front latches with a spray lubricant like WD40. Do not lube the hinges.

If you are concerned about getting the spray on body panels or whatnot throw some towels or rags on stuff. You need to hose the latches good. Not just a light mist.

Then try opening and closing the hood. Report back with progress.

Here's a good view of the core support with it all apart. It pretty much all moves as an assembly up front. The core support is pretty rigid.

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[Matt M PA]

dave6666...thanks. I will try to lube them and see what happens.

Yes, I am talking about the gap at the wheel house between the fascia and the edge of the hood, behind teh headlights. The line across the hood between the headlights (over the Viper emblem) is even. To perhaps be more clear...if I could move the very outer edge of the panel with the access hole up...it would all come in line. But...I'm not seeing that this is possible.

Any chance of seeing a pciture of the driver's side? I had the fascia off my RT...but never the GTS. I bought it new and it's never been hit...so I'm at a loss to sort this out.

 

[ZYellow01RT]

Thanks Dave. Will also be watching this thread. Same issue on driver's side too. Weird.

 

[dave6666]

Just thought of a few things that could have "slipped" and then caused this problem.

1) The fender liner right behind the headlight where it is attached with those plastic wingnuts. That joint can move. Put some even body pressure on that area with your forearm / shoulder and push it down. If it rides up, it can cause the hood to lift on the side. No need to loosen those plastic wingnuts to do this. They barely locate that part, let alone hold it in one spot.

2) Same area, the rubber seal that runs the outer edge of the fender liner. Make sure it is tucked in under the hood all the way along the edge, especially the ends. You can see that piece in my pic, and also the 3 slotted holes where those plastic wingnuts are.