How to: REMOVE UNSIGHTLY HOOD GAP for $1

[Invader]

Had an epiphany last night, on how to remove that hood gap that isn't consistant across the hood/fascia line. This process greatly minimizes the impact the hoods' irregularity has on the body gap.

Very easy procedure:

Step 1, go to Lowes/Home Depot/Ace Hardware/etc, purchase 2 bags (or 3 each)
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/invader/338517.jpg


Step 2, open your hood :)

Step 3, Remove the outer 2 Drivers side fascia pins by prying up on the round center with a screwdriver, gaining enough space to slide a panel removal tool to finish the removal. You can do it with other tools, but I can't guarantee that you won't damage/marr the fastener.
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/invader/338515.jpg

Step 4, insert 2 rubber washers inbetween the fascia and the core support at the outboard fastener, and 1 under the mid fastener. Your application may require a different number of washers, depending on your irregular hood gap.

NOTE: This procedure does not shrink the gap, it takes care of the unevenness.
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/invader/338516.jpg

Step 5, reinstall fasteners, close hood

Step 6, Stand back and enjoy
http://dodgetruckworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/invader/338518.jpg

[JetBlack300c]

hmm... I notice that my 300 has a similar issue... beans for you...

[Magma]

Nice simple easy fix! Beans for you!

[Ontario300c]

My car had the same issue. I used rubber washers that you would use for a garden hose. I think they are about 1/8" thick. Worked perfectly, thaks for the tip. Any idea how to get rid of the huge gap between the hood and the facia? I guess you either need to find a way to move the facia back or the hood forward. I think this might be because when I bought the car I had the dealer install a Chrysler grille. I am annoyed because the facia doesn't seem to be put back together properly and some of the plastic rivets are missing The plastic inner fender is not installed properly and seems like it may be rubbing the paint off the underside of the fender. The piss off with this is I should have installed the grille myself. I thought the dealer would have done a more professional job. I should have been tipped off when I looked at the four fasteners at the top of the facia. When I remove fasteners like this I use the appropriate tool. It looks like the guy at the dealer may have used a steak knife, maybe a can opener or something. I guess the trimmer was busy that day, maybe it was the lot boy that installed it. Shame on the dealer. But like that old cliche says they are only concerned with getting the car over the curb. After that they don't give a dam!

[Husker]

hmm... I notice that my 300 has a similar issue... beans for you...

So does mine, when I get back form this weeks business trip, I am going to try this...thanks!

[thelastgoodbrother]

Wow...Never really paid attention. I am such a such for a cheap mod that I will be doing my too!

[joseph]

I did it, I found the exact same rubber rings at Lowes, I had to use 6 rings total,

Driver side 2 / 2 / 1 center 0 / 0 / 1 pass. side

Before:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h7/pjosephlv/Magnum%20RT/th_100_1643.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h7/pjosephlv/Magnum%20RT/100_1643.jpg)

After:
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h7/pjosephlv/Magnum%20RT/th_100_1644.jpg (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h7/pjosephlv/Magnum%20RT/100_1644.jpg)

[joseph]

So does mine, when I get back form this weeks business trip, I am going to try this...thanks!

Did you do it?
Pictures?

[Tommy T.]

Another happy customer, thanks!

-- Tommy

[Mr.PEZO]

:popcorn: