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Hood won't close with GM hood deflector

V

vtwinsuperbike

Full Member
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Messages
73
I just tried to install the GM hood deflector on my Avalanche and now the hood will not close. I installed it per the instructions exactly.

You can't even force the hood closed. I ran my fingers all along the underside of the hood with it closed as far as it will go without latching and I can't find it binding anywhere.

Putting enough weight on the center of the hood to almost dimple it I'm still 1/2 to 5/8 of an inch from gettting it closed. While trying to close it I can look through the grill and see the catch and latch.

It sure seems like it's binding in the center and not on the edges. All of the holes are lined up exactly. The only thing I have yet to do is un-install it. I hate to undo all of the double sided tape if I don't have to.

Anyone experience anything similar?

TIA
Jeff (Indiana)
 
I suggest trying this....put piec of paper and tape to center underside of bug guard....where it would hit under the hood......

not push doen on hood so it is close to latching.....and tug on paper to see if the guard is hitting in the center.....my bet is it is,,.....and you will either need to modify the bug deflector or possibly adjust latch and side bumpers to kinda raise the hood a bit for clearance....\

HTH
 
ygmn said:
possibly adjust latch and side bumpers to kinda raise the hood a bit for clearance....\

HTH
Click to expand...

I lowered the bumpers and that didn't help. How do I adjust the latch? I looked and couldn't find any way to raise it.

Thanks!
Jeff
 
vtwinsuperbike said:
I lowered the bumpers and that didn't help. How do I adjust the latch? I looked and couldn't find any way to raise it.

Thanks!
Jeff
Click to expand...

lower the hood hook with shims is one way....I have not studied the hood latch in complate detail to figure out all adjustment.,......

 
vtwinsuperbike said:
As far as I could see there is no way to shim the hook. It's riveted into the hood.
Click to expand...

then the latch has to be movable else body shops drill one of em out for adjustments
 
I went King's route and was able to slam it closed. Thanks for the replies.

Now I have oily hand and finger prints all over the tinted deflector. What's the best thing to clean it with?

Thanks,
Jeff (Indiana)
 
mf towel and quick detail spray
 
This may sound silly, but make sure that it is the right one.

My dealer was certain that they sold me the AV deflector. I did a numbers check on my own and they had sold me one for an 03 Silverado. It did the same thing ... would not close.

Got the RIGHT one and it closed fine.
 
My deflector closed fine, I just didnt like the way it fit so, I changed it, with a heat gun. Basically, one of the mounting flanges was at the wrong angle.... It now is at the required angle. Do check those part numbers to verify it is the correct one.
 
I had the same problem when I put on my bug shield. If I remember correctly I was able to raise the bottom part of the latch. Look at that I think there were 2 bolts. I did not mess with the top part on the hood.
 
I have the same truck as you (02 white North Face Edition). I have to slam the hood a little to get it latched since I installed the deflector.
 
Make sure you have the right one. If you have a '03 WBH, I believe it takes a Silverado shield. When I got mine they gave me one for an Avalanche and it wouldn't fit. I took it back and got one for a Silverado and it fits perfectly. If you have to slam the hood hard, somethings not right. I believe the WBH front cap is identical to the Silverado as far as the grill, fenders, and hood are concerned.
 
Jeff, sorry to hear about the trouble there.

For the rest of you and anyone else who might be tempted to make the mistake I did (ordering the wrong part on-line)... the 2003 Avalanche WBH takes the same part as for the Silverado #12498547. This is quite different than for a regular 2003 Avalanche which takes part# 12497075 (or 12497074 if you want the Av logo). I installed mine on the WBH this weekend and it fits, hood closes no problem.
 
I installed my GM hood deflector a year ago on my 2002 and it fit perfect. If you can't close the hood easily than you have the wrong hood deflector. Take it BACK. It wouldn't be a pretty site if the hood opened on the highway!
 
The first shield the parts counter gave me was the wrong one :3:. The correct number fit but I notice that the left turn lamp assembly seems to droop from the bumper taped to the bottom of the shield. Seems to almost come out of the clips. :8:

Anyone else notice this???
 
I installed mine and had no problem. The wieght of the hood closed the hood without any problem. Good luck. Maybe you do have the wrong deflector.
 
I have the SS deflector from Lund, and I have a Billet Grille. These two are not really a good match. I tend to have to slam my hood shut, and everytime I think that I am going to break my billet grille.
On an upside though I had to show the guys that did my last oil change how to both open the hood and how to close it :rolleyes:. ;D
i did think it was a little amusing.

-james R. :cool:
 
TwoDogAV is correct! Asked the dealer to order my GM bugflector for my 2004 WBH and received the wrong one. I received part # 12497074 (w/AV Logo) and only two of the four holes lined up witht he ones in the hood. After reading this thread I called the dealer back and said that I had the wrong one. Asked for part # 12498547, the same as the Silverado, and he had four in stock. Switched them out right there at the service bay. All five screw holes lined up perfect. Thanks to this site, the right part was obtained.

Badger thanks you!! :love:
 
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