Anyone been this stupid before too? Hood hinge bent. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

muleears · #1 09-19-2010, 03:40 AM

Yup, I did it, I admit it. I was aiming the headlights on my sons 123. After doing so I hopped in the car to see where they aimed. Looked ok when shining on the house so I took it down the road. What I forgot to do was close the hood so it latched.

Well, at about 35 mph the hood came up and smashed the windshield.

Normally this would be enough of a surprise but at night it was a double. Anyway, after replacing the windshield ($235), I now have a hood that won't close. It appears to be back about an inch or so, and binds on the cowl. It won't engage the latch in front either. I assume I have bent the hinges but I can't see where. The hood still goes up and down easily, just won't go all the way down and close. One of the springs came off, how do I get it back on? One of the tabs on the latch lock also broke off, can this be welded back on (if I can find it)? Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.

ImBroke · #2 09-19-2010, 08:39 AM

I have a hood for you if you need it, cheap. Gotta like faded Lapis blue though. Still got the padding on it too. The springs go on by raising the hood, and then they just clip back on. Unless you mean the back sides. Can't remember right now, but I can show you this weekend.

muleears · #3 09-19-2010, 09:13 AM

Are you still in Suffolk? I thought you'd be at Wallops by now.

The hood seems to be ok. It is just moved back enough to catch on the cowl and not engage the latch.

This is a car you haven't seen. It's my sons silver/blue '85 123. Unk. miles but runs good. and (now) drives pretty well. Still got a funky 3-4 shift but I'm working on that. Plan to register it this week. Provided I can get the hood to stay down!

toomany MBZ · #4 09-19-2010, 09:54 AM

I did something similar, to someone else's car, no less.

This hood however still opens and closes, although the it sits too low and back a bit.

The hinges are what need attention, the hood may be fine.

Good luck.

boem · #5 09-19-2010, 10:03 AM

Hey, You are not alone, don't feel dumb s..t happen. I have done it myself on a ford van, it did not smash the window but for sure damaged the hood and not to mention it was a scary experience, especially when cars are coming towards you.

ImBroke · #6 09-19-2010, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muleears

Are you still in Suffolk? I thought you'd be at Wallops by now.
The hood seems to be ok. It is just moved back enough to catch on the cowl and not engage the latch.

Well, tough call there. I'm still in Suffolk on the weekends, and in Wallops during the week. House should be on the market in a couple of weeks, provided I can get the few remaining things done. If you need some help this weekend, let me know. May need to unbolt the hood and slide it further on the hinge to get it to close.

Diesel911 · #7 09-19-2010, 02:00 PM

How about some pics of the Hood Hinges.

muleears · #8 09-19-2010, 03:20 PM

I think I got it taken care of. I loosened the bolts holding the hood to the hinge and was able to slide it forward far enough that it will now close. Still binds a little on the cowl but at least its drivable.

Thanks to all for the input.

Junkman · #9 09-19-2010, 06:04 PM

The front to rear adjustment on the SD in under the wheel well. You have to pull the plastic in the fender well to get to the bolts. Hinges prehaps not bent if hood goes up & down as it should.