The installation of hood pins involves drilling precise holes in both the vehicle’s frame and hood to secure the hood in place. This process requires careful marking, drilling, and fastening to ensure proper functionality and a secure fit. The procedure includes selecting mounting locations, utilizing protective measures like painter’s tape, and employing appropriate drill bit sizes. Final adjustments to the pin height are necessary to achieve a secure hold.
Identifying Mounting Locations and Preparation
Initial steps involve determining the appropriate mounting locations for the hood pins. According to the provided documentation, if the vehicle already has factory holes or divots, these can be utilized, simplifying the process. For vehicles without pre-existing holes, careful consideration must be given to placement. The documentation suggests loosely installing the pin slightly below the final desired height as a preparatory step.
Painter’s tape is recommended for application around the intended installation areas. This tape serves to protect the painted surfaces from chipping and scratching during the drilling process. The use of grease on the pin tip is also advised; gently lowering the hood onto the greased pin will leave a witness mark on the inner surface of the hood, indicating the starting point for the pilot hole.
Drilling Procedures
Drilling is a critical phase of hood pin installation. The documentation details a multi-step approach to minimize damage and ensure accuracy. A center punch should be used to create a divot on the marked area before drilling. This helps to guide the drill bit and prevent it from wandering.
The drilling process itself should begin with a small drill bit, typically an 18-inch bit, to create a pilot hole. This pilot hole serves as a guide for a larger drill bit or a stepped bit, which is then used to enlarge the hole to the appropriate diameter for the hood pin. The documentation specifies common drill bit sizes as 17/32 inch (13.49 mm) and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm), though the specific size required will depend on the hood pin kit being used.
After drilling, it is important to clean away any chips or burrs that may remain around the hole. A chamfer tool or an oversized drill bit turned by hand can be used for this purpose. A final check for high spots on both the top and bottom surfaces of the hood is also recommended.
Fastening and Securing the Hood Pins
Once the holes are drilled, the hood pins can be threaded through the holes in the mounting brackets, if brackets are being used, and secured with the provided bolts. The documentation indicates that the provided fasteners should be used to secure any scuff plates that are part of the installation.
The lanyard should be threaded through the fourth hole and crimped with a pair of pliers to secure it. Adjustments to the hood pin height are necessary to ensure the hood is held down securely. This adjustment can be made using a small screwdriver to hold the shaft while tightening the nut at the base of the pin.
Additional Considerations
The documentation suggests facing the narrow end of the hood pin towards the front of the car, if applicable. It also notes that an unverified user report indicates that if a hood pin kit does not include screws for the scuff plate, a Haynes manual for the vehicle may provide the necessary size information.
The documentation also emphasizes the importance of checking for burrs and high spots on both the top and bottom surfaces of the hood after drilling. This ensures a smooth and secure fit for the hood pin assembly.
Conclusion
Installing hood pins requires a methodical approach, beginning with careful preparation and accurate marking. The drilling process must be executed with precision to avoid damaging the vehicle’s finish. Proper fastening and adjustment of the hood pins are crucial for ensuring a secure and reliable hold. Following the steps outlined in the provided documentation will help ensure a successful installation.