Original hood metal or aluminum

[michael1]

Good day. Quick question about original hood as stated for a 1999 XLT 4WD. A little while back it was replaced due to accident but noticed it seemed to be twice as heavy as original. Thinking body shop went cheap and did metal but can't find a solid answer. Obviously body shop has their opinion but what is the right answer. Also have an issue as well with a mechanic that decided to push the hood down instead of just dropping to close and indented the front where pushed. Never had that issue on the original and am talking to the mechanic tomorrow but just curious of the answer and if the aluminum is less prone to the pushing dents. Thanks

 

[sgtsandman]

If the replacement hood is heavier than the original, the original was aluminum. But both the aluminum hood and steel hood were original equipment. My '98 had an aluminum hood. My '11 has a steel one.

As far as the closure, either the hood isn't aligned correctly or the adjustable rubber stops are at the wrong height. I would look at the rubber stops if the body gaps look to be even.

 

[19Walt93]

You haven't been able to close a hood that way for years, anyone working in a garage should know that. In the 60's and before you could actually sit on a hood. If it doesn't latch pick it up a few inches to a foot and drop it, if it still doesn't latch check the adjustments.

 

[michael1]

Thanks for both replies. Talked to the mechanic who admitted fault as I guess a spring broke in the latch and would not lock the hood down so he pushed on it a couple of times before checking the spring. He said he will pick up the repair $$$ so a bit of inconvenience should have it back in shape shortly. Oh and it was replaced with a metal (aftermarket) instead of original aluminum. Always something. Thanks again great forum.

 

[gw33gp]

Just for clarity, Aluminum is metal too. Fiberglass is not metal, which is what my Ranger hood is made of and is heavy.

 

[91stranger]

My 99 has an aluminum hood. Easy way to check is with a magnet. Sticks=metal, Not sticky=aluminum.

 

[Curious Hound]

Magnet sticks = ferromagnetic metal
Magnet does not stick = non-ferromagnetic metal such as aluminum or non- metallic material such as fiberglass

 

[gw33gp]

Many stainless steels are also not magnetic or extremely weak magnetic. Chances of Ford using a SS hood is very close to zero though.

 

[adsm08]

My 99 has an aluminum hood. Easy way to check is with a magnet. Sticks=metal, Not sticky=aluminum.

Again, aluminum is a metal.

 

[1987ranger12394]

Many stainless steels are also not magnetic or extremely weak magnetic. Chances of Ford using a SS hood is very close to zero though.

Could you imagine if ford used a SS body on the rangers

 

[Curious Hound]

Fordloreans???

 

[1987ranger12394]

Think of all the first gen rangers wed have

 

[Jnevrotski]

You haven't been able to close a hood that way for years, anyone working in a garage should know that. In the 60's and before you could actually sit on a hood. If it doesn't latch pick it up a few inches to a foot and drop it, if it still doesn't latch check the adjustments.

Shiiiiit i had a 77 camaro (yes the lead sled) and you could jump up and down on that hood (not dead center mind you lol) that the one where the unlock mechanism was underneath the front end and you pulled the lever. Theres a reason ppl had hood locks for all you younger gen. Lol. They dont make hoods like they use to. I gotta replace m8ne on my 99xl and was wondering what advantages there were other than weight

 

[superj]

its funny to see people put hood locks on newer cars. its a lot tougher to pop the hood on a new vehicles versus the old ones.

i wonder if a lot of new vehicles have back up ways to open the hood if the cable breaks, like bmw has. there is a screw driver slot where you put a flathead in and turn to pop the hoods on the 80s and 90s bmws in case of emergency.

not sure on newer ones, i haven't owned anything newer than a 2002 330i