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Enhancing Hood Functionality on ’73-’79 Ford Trucks

Installing Cowl-Mounted Hood Hinges on a 1973-1979 Ford Truck

We all know that the factory hood hinges on the ’73-’79 Ford trucks leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately, Mike Built (@the_hinge_guy) came up with a solution for all of us who are either looking to upgrade the factory hinges or run custom inner fenders. These gas-assisted, cowl-mounted hood hinges check all the boxes for builders looking for that quick upgrade under the hood. 

Start by removing the old inner fenders and cowl-mounted supports.
Lay out all the tools you think you may need to do the install (and maybe a couple extra just in case you run into something you didn’t expect).
Find the included templates for install.
Cut out the template.
Use a razor to cut out the insides of the template to make it easy to transfer cut lines.
Test fit the template on the cowl.
It is easier to see your cut lines if you lay down some painter’s tape before using a marker to transfer the cut lines.
We used a cut-off wheel to create the initial cuts. (If you are doing the install on a truck and not planning on painting, use a drill in the corners to start your cut lines.)
Use an air saw to cut the fine details. It will simplify your life.
Remove the outer piece of cut metal.
Cut the inner piece of metal at the top of the opening.
You may want to fine tune the opening so the hinge fits the hole easily.
On ’78-’79 trucks and Broncos, there is a inner support in the cowl that has to be cleared for the hinge to fit.
Slide the hood hinge into the opening you have created.
Here’s a look from inside the dash of how the hinge sits inside the cowl.
Bolt the hinge to the cowl.
Bolt the hinge to the cowl.
We pre-installed the gas strut to the hinge before the install, but you can also do it at this point.
Bolt the hood into place.
A close look of how the hinge looks once it is bolted up.
The hood now opens wider and has the gas-assist strut to hold it open.
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