Hood clearance issue - 71 GTO
 

71 GTO Hood has required quite a bit of downforce to close since I have owned it. The screws and tabs from the Ram Air inserts in the hood hit the filler panel between the nose and core support when closed and it has been this way since I owned it. (see pic of damage to filler panel where it hits)

My 72 requires some downforce on the hood to close but no where near as much and the screws and tabs clear the filler panel.

What is the issue on my 71?

Also, anyone know if a 71 GTO 400 auto with AC came from the factory with the filler panel origionally? I thought I read only 455s had them installed from the factory.

Thanks
DV

My 71 400 auto A/C car is very original and does not have the filler panel.

Scarebird - probably not but I close it the same way as on my 72 and don't have any problem there.

I am guessing the issue is its hitting the filler panel but don't know why or how to adjust if thats the case

Thanks moneypit

Is that a reproduction filler panel? It looks like there's a white area where it rubbed thru like it may be a fiberglass part? The original filler was a thin plastic material.

I would guess its a reproduction piece, it was on the car when I bought it and doesn't align well.

71-72 A/455 item only.

So I removed the reproduction fiberglass filler panel which definitely appears to be thicker than the plastic one on my 72 455 as well as incorrect it appears on a 71 400. Hood seems to close with much less effort without the filler panel installed. Also made a conscientious effort to push back a bit on the hood when closing.

Thanks for all your commets, ideas and insight.
Much appreciated
DV