It's easier, or at least less work, to replace the pad in place. It does make it more awkward dealing with the hood at an angle but it is less frustrating than trying to get the hood aligned properly.

One tip for you, get a couple of strong magnets to hold the pad in place while the adhesive sets or use a couple of thin flexible strips of wood curved in a bow.

Average number of head "boinks" on the verplunkt grill while doing the job is seventeen.

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“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now