Adjusting hood (bonnet) height

[Valvechatter]

As I mentioned in my post regarding the hood hinge bolt, I was able to successfully replace the missing bolt in the outside hole on the LH (driver's) side of the hood hinge bracket. The bad news is that in doing so the LH front corner raised up a bit. It was already slightly high (consequence of replaced LH front fender by previous owner). I have read the material in the technical manual regarding hood removal and refitting.

I think that I might be able to drop the corner a wee bit by loosening the hood part of the hinge and sliding the hood forward ever so slightly, as the body metal the hinge bracket mounting plate sits in is angled. However, assuming that I will not gain enough adjustment with this approach....

Is the body side of the hinge adjustable up and down? It would appear that if I could drop the body hinge a little that I could attain the German equivalent of Bob's your Uncle. If this can be done, can it be done from inside the wheel well? Would it be more easily accomplished by removing the headlight?

I would appreciate any help and advice from those who have dealt with this problem.

Thanks,
Lin

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Hi Lin,

After looking closely at my hood (also a 280 SL from 1969) the issue with yours might be that you have a after market hinge bracket (not stock) and it might be slightly thicker (mine eyeballing it is about 3/16" thick). Compare the two hinge brackets (left and right to see if they are the same). Perhaps you may have to remove the bracket and file it down a bit (hopefully your hood does not stand proud more then 1/16").

Just a thought here.

If the hood stands higher only on one side along the fender line then you can adjust the stopper near the windshield area of the hood closing point (note the adjustable stopper that controls the hight).

[Valvechatter]

Thank you!
Lin