Proper way for closing hood?

[Saint_Spinner]

Just thought I'd get prepared before I get my Viper. I was wondering whether you guys can give me some pointers on the proper way of closing the hoods? I know this is one of the biggest problems most noob owners encounter.

There's a large debate over on the corvette forums regarding closing the hood via "dropping" or "pushing down" and which method causes cracks in the fiberglass. Any tips most welcomed! thank you!

[94RT10Ohio]

Slowly lower until the hood "rests" against the windshild area.

This is the important part. Go around to the front and DO NOT PUSH near the edge of the front of the hood. You should use the palm of your hands back near where the hinge attaches to the hood. Pushing near the edge, especially where the hood curves to form the point to for the headlight hole can result in damage.

There should be no slamming need, a simple push should close it.

[V10SpeedLuvr]

I'm assuming you already know how to open the hoods? I've seen some great looks on people's faces (some mechanics included) when they go to pop the hood and cant find the hood latch handle inside the car

[Saint_Spinner]

I'm assuming you already know how to open the hoods? I've seen some great looks on people's faces (some mechanics included) when they go to pop the hood and cant find the hood latch handle inside the car

Actually, no, I don't know how to do that either...I'm guessing its easier than closing? I've seen someone do it, but I can't remember everything. I hope its in the owner's manual

[Saint_Spinner]

94RT10Ohio, thanks for the info!

[got one]

close your eyes and pray

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Actually, no, I don't know how to do that either...I'm guessing its easier than closing? I've seen someone do it, but I can't remember everything. I hope its in the owner's manual

Reach in the upper RH section of the front bumper and you'll feel the latch on the RH side of the car. Simply push it down and the hood will pop up. Then, go up near the windshield and grab the hood on the side and in the center and lift up. Easy as 1-2-3

[red98RT10]

V10....you missed a step for a Gen II at least. First use the latch in the front grill and the hood pops up an inch or so. Then there is another latch directly under the part that just popped up(closer to the driver's side). Push this towards the center and lift again about 8 more inches. THEN, go to the windshield side and lift (using two people or with your hands as close to the middle of the windsheild as you can reach.

[V10SpeedLuvr]

Oh yeah, oops. Same as on a Gen 1. Thanks for pointing that out

[red98RT10]

Glad to help!

[Saint_Spinner]

wow. Thanks guys! Will all this be illustrated in the owner's manual as well? Or will it just say "Pop latch, lift hood"?hehehehe

[ViperJoe]

First the Viper hood does not open or close like the Corvette's. Dropping it like the Vette's will not close it. Opening and closing the Viper's hood is a multi step process.
Once you at the final "opening" point, 2 people would be the ideal to "lift" the hood up, if not, just be sure to lift it at the centermost point at the rear of the hood.

Closing the hood:
Press both hands firmly down atop where the hinges mate to the hood - this is just inboard of the vents - about halfway down the vents (think of the middle vent as the spot, then move inboard on each side about 6 to 8 inches)

Poke your head under the hood and line up where the hinges are to get a good visual. You'll get used to exactly where they are over time.

It does take more force than what I was using originally - I think that my initial force was in direct correlation to the cost of the hood. I found that using a little more force in the right spot did the trick

My logic for this is simple - all stress is being applied to the actual support system for the hood and not in between them, reducing the potential for stress cracking, etc.

Also, I find that first gently closing the hood down completely to where the latch rests against the loop, then opening it up to the intermediate open step before finally shutting it firmly helps. Not sure why but it just does.

After closing the hood down.... press down at both rear corners to make sure they are all the way down before you go to the front to push it down.

Close it with your hands just above the NACA duct.
Give it a pretty good, even push.

[Saint_Spinner]

Thanks! I think the "press down at both rear corners" was the missing ingredient.

[DrumrBoy]

If it closes at all hard you can throw the top latch (by the hood, not the grill) BEFORE pushing down on the spots by the hinges. One less thing to work against....it just makes it easier to push down.

[KenH]

wow. Thanks guys! Will all this be illustrated in the owner's manual as well? Or will it just say "Pop latch, lift hood"?hehehehe

They give you a video to show you how to open and close the hood among other things, but it showed the guy way too far forward on the hood when he was closing it. Info you are getting here is better.