Billet Specialties 1955-1956 Chevy Bel Air__150__210__Nomad - Manual

Billet Aluminum Hood Hinges
55-56 Chevy
873510, N873510 & BLK 873510
Use gas spring P/N 3610HDSS, This gas spring is calibrated for stock steel hoods with stock emblem and trim.
Modified hoods that have been smoothed or have extensive modifications including scoops may exceed the load rating for the gas springs.
Read the instructions thoroughly before starting the installation.
The following procedure should be performed by at least two people with experience in body panel fitment.
If you are unsure of your ability to properly install this product, seek the help of a professional for installation.
Prior to removing hood - tape all edges of hood, fenders & cowl with painters tape to
protect Paint. Protect rear corners of hood from contacting body with a moving blanket or
towel at each corner.
Hood removal & installation requires assistance - do not attempt these steps on your own.
With the hood supported on each side, remove the four fasteners attaching the hood to
the hinges. Carefully lift off the hood and set aside. Inspect threads in hood, run a thread
chaser if necessary.
Remove existing hinges from firewall and inspect threads, run a thread chaser if necessary.
Prepare hinges for assembly by pre-installing the gas springs to each hinge. Remove the
clips at each end of the gas spring before installing on hinge. Start with the large body side
towards the front of the vehicle and the shaft pointing towards the firewall.
(Gas springs installed improperly will affect performance and may fail prematurely)
Finish by re-installing the small clips on the gas springs.
Place the hinge on the firewall with the gas spring side facing inwards, attach with two
3/8-16 X 1-1/4” button head cap screws with a 5/8” washer. Lift the hinge so that fasteners
are at the bottom of the slotted holes as a starting point and tighten firmly.
Repeat for the other side.
With the help of an assistant, place the hood on the hinges. Thread the 5/16-18 X 1” button
head cap screws with a 5/8” dia. washer through the hinge and into the hood, checking to
make sure the fastener does not bottom out inside the hood. Slide the hood to the highest
point (fasteners at the top of the hinge slots) and tighten firmly.
TIP: Remove hood latch - this helps ease of alignment and you do not have to unlatch the
hood each time the hood is raised and lowered.
Slowly lower hood - constantly checking for contact with the fenders and the cowl.
Stop immediately if hood contacts either and make adjustments.
Check for uniform gap side to side from hood to fenders and hood to cowl. Also check
hood height at each corner.
Take your time and adjust in small increments,
Tighten fasteners firmly each time to prevent hood and hinges from moving when checking
fitment.
Use The Following Bolt Locations To Make Adjustments:
• To adjust hood front to back - Hood Bolts
• To adjust hood left to right - Hood Bolts
• To adjust hood height - Hinge to firewall Bolts
Once hood is properly aligned carefully remove one fastener at a time and apply Loctite
Blue 242 thread lock compound to each fastener and re-tighten. Check hood alignment
one more time and remove tape from hood and fenders. Re-install hood latch.
Billet Specialties Inc. • 500 Shawmut Ave. • La Grange, Illinois 60526 • Tech Line 708-588-0505 • www.billetspecialties.com
PREPARATION
HOOD REMOVAL
ASSEMBLY
ADJUSTMENT
IMPORTANT NOTE
FINISH
In some cases it may be necessary to trim the forward edge
of each firewall brace to allow for more downward adjustment
at the rear of the hood. Trim as necessary for clearance.
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