Hello I have a 2004 Vanden Plas, the problem I am having is the passenger side(right) of the hood seems to release from latch and becomes uneven. I am a little wary of trying any adjustments myself with the aluminium panels. Anyone out there with some advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hi,

Releasing probably because the U catch is adjusted too low meaning the hood must be closed harder to make full contact. The only way I know is to adjust the catch and bumper stops together.

There are rubber bumper stops (2 per side) that are mounted on the fender and crossmember that make contact with the hood when closed. These are threaded and could be adjusted up too high keeping the U catch from making full contact.

These are almost never adjusted correctly (mostly too low), but when they are, they should just kiss the hood when closed while maintaining the integrity of the partline gaps among hood, fenders and grille.

Start by lowering the bumpers slightly. Try closing and testing to see if the catch makes a solid engagement. Then lower the U catch if the hood is making contact with the fender or grille before the catch is made.

 

Many thanks to Stevetech, I adjusted the bumpers and the catch now all is good. Thanks again.