hood end pads

[Nicketts]

Had the hood open to change the air filter and noticed bad original foam hood end pads. Once off found rust (oh no!) underneath. As usual with this car, try to fix one thing and it opens up another. Rest of hood has much undercoating showing in the other hole areas and appears fine. Anyway have new pads from AR and they are too thick. It appears they need to be installed with the thick side out. I saw one post here complaining about this. Just wondering if that thicker side, with the hollow cut-out, actually is the side which faces out. Otherwise that thicker side still would need trimming to fit in the slots. Have to sand, prime and paint the areas first (and keep fingers crossed about the rust inside the slots because it's impossible to get to.) Thanks anyone who has experience with these.

[Nicketts]

Apologies, I should have mentioned that the hood will close with them in place, but the gap is way wrong and noticeable. Love this car but geez...

[Nanonevol]

I think different years had different setups. I had no problem with the A/R pads on my '77. Carefully tucked the edges into the slot with a wide screwdriver. Look nice.

[rodo]

I have an '81 and the pads are too thick. I'm thinking I'll just take a razor knife to cut down the "lip" on the part that touches (and protects?) the cowl. However, I only think that will make it thin enough to work. I'll post when I get around to doing that job. Currently on my list it is job # 237...

[focodave]

Nicketts,

Yes -- the pads are way too thick for our later model cars.
I had the exact same problem with mine and I did exactly what rodo suggested.
I trimmed the lip to suit (not an easy task but it is doable) and they are fine.
BTW -- They also emit a very strong and strange rubber odor that has lingered for over a year. Not a huge deal, but just an odd nuisance.

Dave