Re: 55PackardGuy's '54 Clipper Deluxe

Posted by HH56 On 2014/8/24 13:19:58

The functionality of the two locking mechanisms are the same but physical details are slightly different. 51-4 has a thicker plunger and separate safety hook but adjustment procedure is almost word for word in the two manuals.

In a nutshell, there are a few things that can cause hood looseness or flutter. Missing felt over the reinforcing structure where hinges mount is one. The problem you are asking about is not enough tension on the spring. Before doing anything with spring tension make sure the plunger is entering the hole centered and squarely. Once that is verified or adjusted by shifting the plate in the slots, instructions are to pull the spring down and insert a wrench to loosen the locknut and then move the plunger up or down. I know the spring is strong so perhaps a screwdriver under the nut to lever spring down and get the wrench on top or maybe needle nose vise grips on a turn or two of the spring to compress it slightly. Once you loosen the nut a few turns, tighten the spring tension by screwing the plunger in (shorten the distance of the threaded shaft) slightly and check. I believe the shaft is standard RH threads so righty tighty but you will have to verify which direction shortens. Note that this adjustment can result in too much tension and the latch will be very hard to release -- so do it in increments. Once you have it correct, go back and tighten the locknut..

There is another caution on the 51-4 and that is the rubber bumpers must contact evenly to control flutter. The flange where the bumpers mount can be bent up or down slightly if needed and also there may be interference with the splasher mounting bolts or screws. The instructions for that problem are to enlarge the bolt head clearance area in the flange if needed.