Hood Crest — Removal and Installation

Tools

• Phillips head screwdriver
• 1/4″ drive 10 mm socket
• 1/4″ drive 8 mm socket
• 1/4″ drive short extension (2 inches)
• 1/4″ drive ratchet
• 1/4″ drive universal adapter
• Straight probe or small flat tip jeweler's screwdriver
• End cutters

Other Procedures Needed

• BODY-09, Nose Panel — Removal and Installation

Procedure

1. Using BODY-09, remove the nose panel from the vehicle.

   Note: With the nose panel removed, the crest is held in place by two posts retained by one of two types of nuts: spring clips or screw-on nuts. Spring clips tend to loosen over time — if a hood crest has been lost in service, a loose spring clip is a common cause. If installing a new crest kit with screw-on retaining nuts, the old spring clips must be removed from the panel first.

2. If the existing crest is held by spring clips, remove the crest by sliding a putty knife under the crest and prying it off the nose panel, or cut the spring clips off the posts with end cutters (they will be discarded when the new kit is installed). Using a plastic putty knife reduces the risk of paint damage.

   Note: New hood crest kits include the crest, a gasket, and two retaining nuts with sealant putty on the back. The gasket can be difficult to keep in position on the crest during installation. Stretch the gasket slightly before fitting it, and apply a small amount of trim adhesive to hold the gasket on the crest.

3. Install the gasket on the hood crest. Place the crest on the nose panel and install the backing nuts finger-tight only — do not fully tighten yet.

4. The lip of the gasket may need to be rolled out from under the crest and around its edges after the crest is seated. Use a straight probe or small flat tip jeweler's screwdriver to roll the lip carefully around the outer edge of the crest. Work slowly to avoid damaging the gasket.

5. Once the gasket is correctly positioned around the entire outer edge of the crest, tighten the backing nuts until snug. Do not over-tighten — squeezing out all the sealant putty reduces the sealing effectiveness.