Squashed, nearly fixed,...

[aj81spider]

Here's the pad they all had coming out of the factory.

https://autoricambi.us/products/hood-end-pad

I'd have to check mine (which has the pads), but I think they slide into the slots you are seeing in your hood.

[bobplyler]

It did come with pads.
https://autoricambi.us/products/hood-end-pad

[rodo]

Yes, they did come with pads but the OE pads were a kind of soft foam. They slide into those corner slots in the hood.

AR's pads are thick rubber and, in my experience, too thick. (I've had words with them about this.) I will end up trimming them down so the hood goes down and does not stick up higher than the fenders.

[wetminkey]

Goodness,...I don't think I'll install any of these pads!
My hood has always aligned (and does once again) and been trouble-free for 18 years without 'em. I don't fix what isn't broke!
But that sure explains the diagonal slot in the underside of the hood at either rear corner,...

[geospider]

Todd,
Geo here. Been away in Italy getting married: more about that and the LACK of classic Fiats later.
Lines/gaps look great. wish my hood fit so well.

I have a bunch to update: both with my spider and Italian cars/scooters/drivers/pedestrains in general.

geo

[wetminkey]

Thanks so much.
CONGRATS! I spent most of my time in the Navy in/around Italy. You need to PM me with some of the details,...where you went, got married, etc,...How cool!
I've spent a number of hours working on those gaps, lines, and panels, too. I'd like to get the Spider looking good enough so that when focodave sees it (prior to our pre-arranged plan to cruise Horsetooth Reservoir together, when completed), he'll have a tough time spotting the repaired spots!
I'm working mostly on scratches now.
Welcome back, and again, congratulations!

[wetminkey]

Test fit completed to satisfaction,...

By George, I think we're on our way to primer/paint!

[wetminkey]

Can you spot the two different year fenders?
1978, or before, or the passenger's side,...1979, or after, on the driver's side. Can you see the difference?
I had to 'waller out' (lengthen to a slot) the hole that the driver's bumper shock mounts on, to fool your eye,...about 3/8". Now everything aligns pretty good.
Todd.

[wetminkey]

I'd guess that I, and my Spider, are pretty much done with being "Squashed,..."!!
It would be best for my posts to move to the "Restoration Projects" area at this point. I thank all of you for your attention and input,...you've helped to save this Spider from the junkyard. It has some history, so that's important,...
Many thanks,
Todd Compton.

[wetminkey]

Back,...but in 'Restoration Projects' after a very busy last six weeks, or so,...
My Spider's present appearance:

Got a Superbeetle to finish right now, but I expect to be back onto the Spider's completion before fall,...
I hope this benefits someone, someday,...
Todd.