TheSamba.com :: View topic - 4-tab hood

Sun Dec 22, 2002 3:52 pm

shouldn't a 1956 beetle have a 4-tab hood? mine doesnt fit right at the locking/handle mechanism.. but it locks. theres a gap inbetween the body and the hood where the hood/trunk seal is. its a 3-tab hood, i guess.. because theres 3 screws that hold the vw emblem. so do i need to get myself a 4 tab hood? thanks.

Sun Dec 22, 2002 4:07 pm

Your 59 should have a four tab hood. There are 2 different kinds of 3 tab hoods. One is 62 only hood, the rest are the same for the most part, raised emblem 3 tab.

Sun Dec 22, 2002 4:08 pm

sorry your 56

Sun Dec 22, 2002 5:27 pm

I have a 1960 bug that has a 4 tab hood. The aftermarket VW emblem I bought does'nt fit very well and my hood also has a big gap between the hood and body along the seal when its latched. Whats up with that? Do hoods get fatigued over the years causing this problem and can it bee fixed for a better fit?

Thanks

Sun Dec 22, 2002 7:34 pm

yeah man, im pretty sure mine is incorrect. it just doesnt fit right. theres is a gap like you say jbonzii, at first i was thinking that it was the latch mechanism itself that was keeping the hood from closing properly, and this could be the problem, but i think its because its the wrong year hood.

any input anyone?
anyone experienced the same thing like me and jbonzii here

Sun Dec 22, 2002 9:25 pm

either the hood is stessed or your car has been in an accident at some point. Afermarket hood fit like crap but most(unless damaged) german hood fit well. Maybe you need to adjust your hinges or hood latch mechanism or hood plunder.

Mon Dec 23, 2002 12:39 am

Yes you do need a 4 slot hood, it should have two holes per side to attach the hinges. The prop will mount the bottom bolt on the drivers side, make sure to get the correct bolt for that hole. Earlier 4 slot hoods will have a seperate mounting hole for the hood prop ('55 down) and some will have three holes per side for the hinges ('53 down).
The fact that there is a gap between the hood and the car probably does not have anything to do with the year of the hood but rather the shape that it is in or the shape of the front of your car. If you remove the plunger it will be easier to fit. Good luck

Mon Dec 23, 2002 2:26 am

the plunger? you mean the part of the latching mechanism under the hood? ill try that...

Mon Dec 23, 2002 4:01 pm

The plunger is attacted to the hood with the same bolts as the hood handle. More often than not you find that the car is the problem not the hood. You have to ask yourself why the car doesnt have the original hood in the first place.

Mon Dec 23, 2002 5:12 pm

i believe it is because the car was salvaged trayle. it was revied from the dead with new aprons, rear fenders, running boards etc. only thing i really ned to do to it is, get a wiper switch, hood seal, and battery tray/floor board repair panel. im going to mess with the plunger tonight.. ill see hwo that goes.

trayle: how much you charging for narrowed/adjustable beams?

:)

Mon Dec 23, 2002 8:49 pm

That could be it. If the apron was install to high that would give you the gap you are seeing. Drop me an email about beams. I dont like to discuss business on this(or any) forum.

Mon Dec 23, 2002 8:50 pm

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