Help, Hood Problem

[Baddasp]

Hi guys and gals,
I am having problems with my hood not closing correctly. I keeps popping up a little near the latch on the drive side. Also, the hood is touching the head lights. I took it to the dealer and they found a small crack in the fiber glass around the latch. Can someone please tell me how I can fix the small crack and align the hood so it doesn't touch the head lights and latches properly.

thanks,
Asif

 

[RoyV101621]

You failed to mention the year of your Viper. There is a known problem with the earlier viper hoods, although Dodge tends to refuse to recognize it.

There is a possibility that the hood is being closed improperly...

Lower the back of the hood into the rear guides
Place you open hands top of the hood about a third of the way back, over the hood springs
Push down to close

There should be no need to slam the hood... if every thing is lined up right and bolted on correctly.

Keep you service dealer on the problem. Fix the cracks and align it hood properly. You may have to fork over some cash. But if it happens again who do you want to be liable for the repair. Bob's Body Shop or Dodge.

If you bought the car from a Dodge dealer, they should have taught you how to close the hood when you bought the car.

 

[JonB]

It may be the HEADLIGHT that is incorrectly mounted. Have you ever had a headlight replaced? Hood should NOT contact headlight. Slamming the hood can break off the "tear duct" portions of the hood.

The hood has adjustable latches....10mm socket {?} loosens the 2 bolts. Raise the latch on the offending side.

Loosen it 50%...and then gently PRY it upwards about 1-2mm.
Tighten it. Try hood/latch again. Once you have it, turn the round rubber bumper counterclockwise to RAISE that hood stop to the proper new height... 1/2 turn at a time.

VERY IMPORTANT to close Viper hoods on the Spring/Hinge support area, about 18" rearward of the leading hood edge. Just behind the NACA duct on 96.5+ years. NOT at the very front edge, atop the latches themselves. Most 'salesmen' have it WRONG.

JonB