The car is an '89 Iroc-Z. The problem is that the front bumper seems to be sagging a LOT. I'm 99% sure that the car was in a front-end collision at some point or another, if that helps. Have a look at the pictures and let me know what you think.

I'd really just like to know a) what you think is wrong b) what pieces I need to replace.

I'd like to avoid going out and buying parts that don't actually need replacing.

Oh and also, the hood won't latch shut. Something is wrong with the positioning of the bracket it latches to (the bracket is just fine.) Something is obviously wrong since the hood won't stay latched shut.

Here are two pictures that should help:

 

After looking at your pictures, I do not think your front end is sagging, so much as your hood looks to be out of position.

It looks like your hood has some major overhang over the front bumper fascia. That could be why your hood does not latch. Is it a stock hood or aftermarket? Where the hood and front fascia meet, there should be no overhang, just a nice seam where they meet.

Where the back of the hood and the 2 front fenders meet just forward of the windshield, is that smooth and fair? Or is the hood forward of the line of the fenders?

Steve

 

I forgot to mention that I replaced that hood (from a V6 3rd gen I was told) with a stock Iroc hood. Still the same problem. The hood is exactly where it needs to be- it lines up perfectly with the fenders and all that good stuff. But when you get up front, to the front bumper, there's just this huge 1" gaping hole. The problem DEFINITALY lies in the bumper. I'll get some more pictures later tonight.

 

i'm having the same problem with my bird right now. i'm going to be working on it a little this weekend. if i find anything this weekend, i'll let you know....but mine was in a front end collision.

 

I had the same problem with my car, just fixed it the other day
I looked down by the hood latch and there is 2 bolts that kinda support the latch striker assy (or whatever ya call it) and the middle of the nose. I loosened them up put a jack under it and slowely and carefully raised until it was right.
then tightened the bolts back up

on mine it looked like there was some work done on it at one time
cause I found some other bolts missing as well so I just figured they didnt take the time to get everything perfect.

Wonder if the nose was ever replaced on your car ?

 

I had the same problem with my Iroc-z. The problem does indeed lie in the nose rather than the hood. There are adjustment bolts by the hood latch and by the headlights. Loosen all of them up, and play around with the nose until the gap looks right. This is what I did.

 

open the hood and post a pic looking down at the rad support and head light support that may help, you may have busted head light support that holds the front end up they bolt on the sides with 4 bolts, the support is only some type of fiberglass so they are easy to crush.

jeff