Hood

Complete removal and installation procedure for the hood assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including hinge disconnection, alignment marking, and proper reinstallation with torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Hood hinge bolt lock washers × 4 — Use OEM specification if damaged
• Hood strut retaining clips × 2 — Use OEM specification if broken during removal
• Windshield washer hose grommet × 1 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and ensure parking brake is engaged
2. Place fender covers over both front fenders to protect paint
3. Open hood and prop it in fully open position
4. Have a second person available to assist with hood removal and installation
5. Prepare a padded work surface or hood stand to place the removed hood

Procedure

1. 1

   Mark hood alignment position
   Using a paint marker or grease pencil, carefully mark the outline of both hood hinges where they contact the underside of the hood. Mark both the front and rear edges of each hinge mounting point. These alignment marks are critical for proper hood fit during reinstallation and will minimize adjustment time.
2. 2

   Disconnect windshield washer hose
   Locate the windshield washer fluid hose connection at the base of the hood near the driver side hinge. Gently pull the hose off the nozzle connection. If the hose is stiff, carefully work it back and forth while pulling. Note the routing of the hose through any retaining clips for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect hood struts
   If the hood is equipped with a prop rod, disengage the prop rod and have your assistant support the hood in the open position. Do not assume gas struts are present; verify the actual hood support method for this vehicle before proceeding, as the first-generation Viper hood is typically held open by a prop rod rather than gas struts. Once the clip is removed, pull the strut socket off the ball stud. Support the hood weight as you disconnect the second strut - do not allow the hood to drop suddenly.
4. 4

   Position assistant and support hood
   Have your assistant stand on one side of the vehicle while you stand on the other. Both people should grip the hood firmly along the sides, supporting it evenly. The hood must be held level and steady for the next step. Do not allow the hood to shift position or contact the fenders.
5. 5

   Remove hood hinge bolts
   While your assistant supports the hood weight, use the appropriate socket to remove the hinge bolts that secure the hood to the hinges (verify bolt size and quantity against the vehicle service manual) that secure the hood to the hinges. Remove bolts gradually, alternating between sides to maintain even support. Keep track of any washers or lock washers on the bolts. Once all bolts are removed, carefully lift the hood straight up and away from the hinges.
   Torque spec

   Hinge Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove hood from vehicle
   With both people supporting the hood, carefully lift it clear of the vehicle. Move slowly and communicate with your assistant to keep the hood level. Place the hood face-up on a padded surface or hood stand. Never lean the fiberglass hood against a wall or place it face-down on a hard surface.
7. 7

   Inspect hinges and mounting points (if applicable)
   With the hood removed, inspect the hinge pivot points for wear or binding. Check that the hinge springs are intact and functioning. Inspect the hood mounting bolt holes for cracks or damage, particularly important on fiberglass construction. If the hood is being replaced, transfer the alignment marks to the new hood using measurements from the hinge mounting points.
8. 8

   Position replacement or serviced hood
   With your assistant, carefully lift the hood and position it over the vehicle. Align the hood mounting holes with the hinge mounting points, using the alignment marks made during removal as a guide. Lower the hood slowly until the hinges are accessible through the mounting holes. Have your assistant maintain hood position while you begin fastener installation.
9. 9

   Install hood hinge bolts
   Start all 4 hinge bolts (2 per hinge) by hand, ensuring any lock washers are in place. Thread each bolt several turns to ensure proper engagement. Do not fully tighten yet - leave bolts snug enough to hold position but loose enough to allow adjustment. Verify the hood is aligned with your reference marks before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Hinge Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Perform initial hood alignment check
    Carefully close the hood about halfway to check initial alignment with the fenders and header panel. Check the gap consistency on both sides and at the front. If adjustment is needed, loosen the hinge bolts and shift the hood position slightly. The alignment marks from removal should get you very close. Make fine adjustments as needed for even gaps.
11. 11

    Torque hood hinge bolts
    Once hood alignment is satisfactory, torque all hinge bolts to the manufacturer-specified value using a torque wrench and the correct socket (verify torque spec against the vehicle service manual). Torque bolts in a cross pattern (driver front, passenger rear, passenger front, driver rear) to ensure even clamping. Be careful not to overtorque as this can crack the fiberglass hood mounting area.
    Torque spec

    Hinge Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect hood struts
    Support the hood in the open position. Push the ball socket end of each strut onto the ball stud at the hood mounting point until it clicks into place. Install the retaining clip on each ball stud to secure the connection. Verify both struts are properly seated by gently pulling on them - they should not come off the ball studs.
13. 13

    Reconnect windshield washer hose
    Route the windshield washer hose through any retaining clips as noted during removal. Push the hose firmly onto the nozzle connection at the hood. Ensure the connection is secure and the hose is not kinked or pinched when the hood closes.

Reassembly

1. Installation is performed by following the steps above after hood removal
2. Always use alignment marks to minimize adjustment time
3. Check hood-to-fender gaps with hood fully closed - gaps should be consistent on both sides
4. Verify hood latch engages properly and hood sits flush when closed
5. Test hood struts by releasing hood from full open position - it should lower in a controlled manner

Verification

• Open and close hood several times to verify smooth operation and proper alignment
• Check that hood gaps are even on both sides and match factory specifications (typically 3-5mm)
• Verify hood latch engages securely and hood does not move when pushed down at corners
• Confirm windshield washer fluid sprays properly with hood closed
• Check that hood struts hold hood in fully open position without sagging
• Inspect for any contact marks between hood and fenders during opening/closing cycle

More procedures for this vehicle