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Hood/fender adjustment

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Old Feb 3, 2021 | 07:02 PM
  #1  
5.3turdgen's Avatar
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From: Dallas,TX
Car: 1992 Camaro Rs
Engine: 6.0 408ci
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4th gen rear end/4.10 gears
Hood/fender adjustment

I recently bought some fenders and hood for my camaro. The hood is used but in awesome shape and the fenders are replacements from summit racing. I've been spending the last week trying to get them to all line up the past week but it just won't line up. Any tips on how to make them fit?

NOTE: One of the hood hinges is missing a strut which I think is a probable cause.

Here are some pics...








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Old Feb 3, 2021 | 07:22 PM
  #2  
T.L.'s Avatar
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From: Colorado USA
Car: '83 Firebird (T/A Clone)
Engine: 350 with L-69 components
Transmission: 700R-4, 2000 RPM stall converter
Axle/Gears: 10-bolt/3.73 ..
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

I fear there probably isn't a solution. I bought two Trans Am Fenders from Summit. 'Took 10 MONTHS to get them. I won't be surprised if they don't fit properly when I go to put them on. I just couldn't find any good OEM fenders around my area.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 11:49 AM
  #3  
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From: Naperville, IL
Car: 89 Iroc Hardtop
Engine: LB9 w/G92 Pkg
Transmission: T5 5-Speed
Axle/Gears: 9-Bolt, 3.45
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

Aftermarket fenders are notoriously bad. I bought one for my old Firebird and had the same problem. My solution was to resell it and buy a used GM fender. It fit perfect. Otherwise, if you have a lot of time and fab skills, you may be able to hack and weld on them until the gaps are correct.
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 09:58 PM
  #4  
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From: South Windsor, CT
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: ZZ6TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.70:1
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

Both hood struts should be installed. That will affect it.

The real issue is the fenders. Aftermarket fenders are terrible. They will never line up correctly to the door, hood and nose. You can probably get them to fit and not rub on the door and hood, but they will always look bad without doing serious cutting, welding and reshaping. The curvature following the hood is never right, gaps not consistent and on and on. If you haven’t painted them yet, I would get some good used GM fenders and bring the aftermarket ones to the scrap metal yard and turn them in for beer money.
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Old Feb 26, 2021 | 11:53 AM
  #5  
Denis.V's Avatar
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From: Santiago, CHILE
Car: 1986 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Engine: 305 Tuned Port Injection
Transmission: The famous 700R4
Axle/Gears: No idea
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

I adjusted my taiwanese fender in my garden, without welds.

You can see the russian Arthur Thusik's channel and search the video about the taiwanese body parts.

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Old Feb 26, 2021 | 12:56 PM
  #6  
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Car: 89 Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt.Posi-3.73s
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

Id be in the market for some GM fenders bad as I know you hate to hear it. My car had aftermarket ground effects that fit terrible when I bought it. I had to remove them + replace with old factory ones when I went to repaint.
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Old Feb 27, 2021 | 11:31 AM
  #7  
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From: Lawrence Ks.
Car: 89 Formula 350
Engine: SBC 355
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9Bolt
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

5.3 turdgen thanks for your timely question. I'm in the same boat w/my project (89 Formula).I need a driver's side fender and a bumper cover. The sharing of experience & information here is such an asset. I won't be clicking on the Summit site for a potential headache I don't need. Thank you all.
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Old Mar 5, 2021 | 02:18 PM
  #8  
5.3turdgen's Avatar
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From: Dallas,TX
Car: 1992 Camaro Rs
Engine: 6.0 408ci
Transmission: t56
Axle/Gears: 4th gen rear end/4.10 gears
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

Thank you all for the replies!

I bought a Z/28 hood and traded the fenders for some OEM GM ones some guy had and overall it fits perfect I just need my front chin spoiler to complete the look but I haven't found one yet also having no money at the moment doesn't help either. Any one got one? Some time this week I'll get some pics for y'all...Stay tuned...
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Old Mar 5, 2021 | 02:49 PM
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From: South Windsor, CT
Car: '89 GTA
Engine: ZZ6TPI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: Borg Warner 3.70:1
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

Originally Posted by 5.3turdgen
Thank you all for the replies!

I bought a Z/28 hood and traded the fenders for some OEM GM ones some guy had and overall it fits perfect I just need my front chin spoiler to complete the look but I haven't found one yet also having no money at the moment doesn't help either. Any one got one? Some time this week I'll get some pics for y'all...Stay tuned...
Sorry, I don't have one. But, sounds like the OEM parts are working out. The aftermarket body panels are just awful.

Suggest putting a wanted to buy ad in the classifieds here on the forum.
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Old Mar 9, 2021 | 06:42 PM
  #10  
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From: Hawaii
Car: 89' Firebird / 87' Formula
Engine: 3.4 / 5.0
Transmission: 700-R4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 / 3.42
Re: Hood/fender adjustment

It looks like your hood is to ofar to one side.....instal lthe strut, then loosten the hold down bolts.and bump the hof with your palm to move it ever so slightly till its lined up re...also may have to enlarge soem of the holes for it to fit right.


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