Hood paint prep

[Ordsgt]

Well my 30 Tudor is getting ready to be painted. The car is completely disassembled and off the frame. The one point I am not sure of is how to paint the hood. The problem I see is the hood hinge areas. If I have the rods out then the hinge internal will be filled with paint making it difficult to get the rod in. If I put rods in then I believe it will very difficult to get the rods out. Whats the best way to do this?

 

[katy]

I would paint the hood panels w/the hinge pins out, then get or make a long drill bit or similar to clean the orifices out, working from both ends, carefully.

 

[Oldbluoval]

On the tops, I’ve used full length wooden dowels that fit a bit loosely
It aids in hanging and can more easily be withdrawn

 

[Will N]

On the tops, I’ve used full length wooden dowels that fit a bit loosely
It aids in hanging and can more easily be withdrawn

Brilliant!

 

[wrndln]

I don't think you will have a problem with much if any paint getting inside the hinges. However, paint will get on the hinge ends. Just lightly file, with a fine tooth file, the paint off each side of the hinges. If you do this first, the paint wont chip when the panels are put together and the rods installed. I would use SS rods to prevent rusting.
Rusty Nelson

 

[Brentwood Bob]

I found stainless steel tubing. I picked up the idea in the past. At least for the smaller diameter sides.

 

[Ordsgt]

Good ideas, Thanks

 

[Tinbasher]

Get the Hood all ready to paint. Then run the rods into the hood hinges with a drill. Work them two three times back and forth and then remove them. Put them back together with a little anti-seize. You'll be good to go.

 

[30 Tudor and Coupe]

You also need to look at the clearances between the hood halves. Modern high build primers can reduce the clearances to where the first few times you open the hood, the paint will chip. I mean the side clearances, not the end clearances mentioned earlier. It happened to me.

 

[whirnot]

I paint them with the rods out. Test fit when you are done. If any are tight, just cut a slit in the end of a dowel that is slightly smaller. Put a strip of sandpaper in the slit and chuck it in a drill. Easy to clean any paint out.
As mentioned above check your clearances as above. I however have found it is usually bent hinge strips, not excess paint. Easily adjust ahead of time.