hood removal question
 

Ok, we are at about 8 weeks out from my swap from my 305 to my new 350 crate engine and I have a question on the hood removal procedure that is best for my 1984 Firebird.

Is it best to remove the two bolts holding the hood to the hood bracket and just carefully mark it for reinstallation... OR.... is it best to just unbolt the three bolts holding the hood bracket/hinge assembly to the inner fender panel?

I really need to realign this hood exactly like it is presently installed and was wondering which method you guys used and recommend as the easiest and most accurate. It would seem harder to realign the hood by taking the whole bracket assembly off as it seems harder to mark the exact bracket placement in relation to the fender panel.

Any ideas/suggestions appreciated.

Brad

ahhh the 305 to 350 swap just did mine this week its the third engine in the car...i
blow up 305's but i found the easiest way all 3 times was to take off the hood from hinges and mark the hood b/c i threw a towel on the roof and hood went on roof. if your doing the hood on the roof go with the hood not hinges.. because the hinges will hit the car but as long as you have help either way is easy.

but if i were you go with the hood insted of hinges. and put some easy removable tape were the hinges bolt to hood for exact alignment...

good luck post some pics on the engine to..
KEVIN

When you take off the hood you will see a circle where the washers were pressed against the hood. My friend forgot to latch his hood today. It bent up his hood and the brackets. I let him have my old hood and latches, all i did when i put them on is line up the rings on the hood with the bolts and it fit perfect got it on first try.

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the help. I am trying to anticipate every possible question in advance so that I'm not scratching my head at the last minute.
Again, thanks!

Brad