How to Install a Locking Hood Pin

Hood pins can really set a car off.

Hood pins work in conjunction with or to the standard hood latch. Generally used on race cars, hood pins have become popular with automotive enthusiasts. In most cases, hood pins are decorative. However, if you install a fiberglass hood and plan to drive the vehicle on the highway, you should install hood pins for added safety. If the safety latch fails, it will prevent your light fiberglass hood from coming up while you drive.

Things You'll Need

• Drill
• Drill bit set
• Wrench set
• Tape measure
• Chalk or marking pen
• Rag
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Raise the hood on your vehicle, and locate the radiator support at the front of the engine. Inspect the support for holes into which your hood pins will fit. If you locate a hole, check to ensure a similar hole exists on the other end of the radiator support and that the holes lie at least 2 inches inward from the outer edge of the hood. If you cannot locate suitable pre-drilled holes, drill two holes---both equal distances from the outer edge of the hood---using a drill and the appropriately sized bit for your pins.

2. Secure each pin to the radiator support. Place the pin into the hole. Thread the lower bolt under the radiator support, then thread the upper bolt over the top of the radiator support. The two bolts sandwich the radiator support and secure the pin. Use two wrenches to complete this step.

3. Measure to ensure both pins sit at the same height using a tape measure. If they rest at different heights, adjust one until they are both at the same level.

4. Mark both pins with chalk or a marking pen, then lower the hood onto the pins. Lift the hood, and inspect the underside for marks left by the pins. This step acts as a locator so you know where to drill your holes in the hood. Wipe the chalk off the hood pins with a rag.

5. Drill a small pilot hole through the bottom of the hood using the chalk dot as a guide.

6. Place blue painter's tape on the top of the hood to cover the small pilot holes, which helps chipping---especially on a fiberglass hood.

7. Drill a hole large enough to fit the hood pin through the top of the hood.

8. Lower the hood onto the hood pins, and latch the hood closed.

9. Place the washer inserts over the hood pins and onto the hood. Secure them using the screws supplied with the hood pins and a screwdriver.

10. Inspect the holes for the hairpin clamps you push through the hood pins. If a clamp does not show above the washer, loosen the hood pin and raise it until you can easily push the hairpin through the hood.