How hard is it to remove and replace the hood.

[Lenny]

I want to paint the part of the tub in front of the trunk. In order to do so it looks like I need to remove the Trunk Lid, I keep wanting to say Hood but the Hood is what goes over the engine, I can't do it:elmo1:.

Anyway, how hard is it to remove it and replace it and still have it line up? What kind of paint should I use?

9782

[Nicholas R]

Removing the hood is cake. Just disconnect the gas struts, then unbolt the 4 bolts on each hinge, and unplug the inline connector powering the light and you're done. I definitely wouldn't do it without another person though, just because of the size.

[Rich W]

If the bonnet cover (hood) is aligned well and working well (releasing and closing well), it is a good idea
to take several photos, from several angles, to note the hood height and the gaps between hood and the
front fenders. As you prepare to remove the hood from the hinges, photo and note the position of the
plate bolts into the hinges (whether they sit low, middle or high in the slotted part of the hinges).

A trick I use to verify hood position on the hinges is to trace the corners of the hinges onto the bottom
of the hood with a black Sharpie. The marks are almost invisible but can be made easier to see with the
use of an LED flashlight. Marks can later be removed, if desired, with mineral spirits or a general cleaner.

Later,
Rich W.

[MML]

Mine could do with this. My hinges are a bit rusty!

[Lenny]

Thanks, for the suggestions.

How about the paint?

[Rich W]

Krylon Black - Satin Finish

(NAPA carries this paint)


Thanks, for the suggestions.

How about the paint?

[davidrucker11387]

What procedure would you recommend for this task? I plan on doing this to both my engine bay and trunk tub. Any special sanding or priming coatings?

Thanks,
David - 6410
davidrucker11387 - dmctalk.org
DeLoDave - YouTube

[Morpheus]

Lenny,

Before removing the hood, be sure to disconnect the wires to your trunk light. To access the connection, simply pull off the black rubber grill between the headlights. Sometimes it takes a strong pull to get it out, so dont be afraid to put a little muscle into it.

One more thing... There is a small ground wire attached to the very front corner of the hood. It will connect to one of the bolts holding your fender on.

As for the paint, many of us in DCF have had very good results with a product called SEM Trim Black. It is only available at a professional paint store.

http://semproducts.com/product-catalog/specialty-products/trim-paint/trim-black/

Good luck with the project!

[sdg3205]

Here (http://www.stevedavegraham.com/delorean-restoration/2012/1/6/heater-core-replacement-and-trunk-recondition.html) is my car before and after a reconditioning with SEM Trim Black.

Huge difference. Sand well, vacuum all dust, prep surface with acetone, let dry and go nuts. This is about 4 coats.

MASK WELL! It is stinky paint so make sure you've got ventilation.

Looks even better with fresh decals.

[AdmiralSenn]

If you can't find SEM Trim Black locally, eBay does have it and they apparently CAN ship it to you. That's where I get mine.