American Car Craft Corvette Hood Panel Inserts 5Pc Set Polished 1997-2004 C5 & Z06 - Manual (Page 3)

from the back of the panels. Place about a golf ball size dab of clear 100%
silicone directly to each of the “X” marks on the back of the new hood panels.
With the aid of a friend carefully place the panels into position pressing firmly to
the perimeter. This will set the panels at the edges, securing it sufficiently enough
to allow the silicone to permanently bond the panels as it is left in position at least
overnight and if possible for twenty four hours for a complete cure. You have
been supplied with several self stick plastic segments. Use these segments to aid
in the securing of the large panels in any areas that may seem to need a little help
keeping in place. Once the panels are cured simply remove the segments and the
clear protective liner off all five panels. IMPORTANT TECH TIP: It is important
to know that the perimeter of the three larger panels will NOT come into 100%
contact with the hood. In fact there may be some areas that will not touch the
hood at all, don’t worry about this because the panels are designed to smooth out
what would otherwise present a very wavy appearance. Allow the panels to set in
place and cure.
**********ADVANCED INSTALLATION TECHNIQUE********
REMOVAL OF FACTORY HOOD
Although removing the hood is not necessary this simple step offers some
advantages. The first most significant advantage is that with the hood face down
on a PROTECTED surface the panels can be weighted down into the hood thusly
creating valuable clearance space between the hood panel and the engine. Should
you elect to perform this type of installation follow these few steps.
1. It is important to mark the four hood bolts to the hinges by circling them with a
silver marker.
This will allow you to replace the hood with out the tedious task of adjusting its
position. You will just simply re-bolt the hood to the original placement.
2. In order to do this you will need three people, two of them to hold and
manipulate the hood and one person to bolt and unbolt the hood. Before you begin
this you will need to unplug the factory hood light harness as well as the hood
struts from the hinge assembly by using a small flat blade screw driver to release
the small black spring steel clip just far enough to allow the upper strut end to pop
off the hinge assembly. This will allow the hood to move freely so that you can
remove the four bolts easily. Once you have unbolted the hood be sure to place it
on a stable table with plenty of blankets to protect the paint. With the hood in a
nice solid position face down you can begin the installation procedures outlined in
steps 1 thru 6.
3. With the hood panels installed in this position you can now take this
opportunity to weight the two main panels into a nice bottomed out position
closest to the hoods outer skin. Anything can be used such as sand bags paint
buckets gym weights. Just be sure to apply a blanket to the hood panels to protect