Hey guys...After getting some good advice from Pierce and a few other members, I was finally able to get the hood on my '88 240 unlatched. The problem now is that I can't get it to stay latched. It seems to close fine but, after driving a few miles and hitting some bumps, it unlatches. I have tried adjusting the catch plate on the radiator cross member but, can't quite get it right. The hood hinge on the driver has been broke since I have owned the car but, the hood has worked fine up until a few months ago. Are there any adjustments or tricks to get this to work again?

 

I'd start by replacing the hinge. Couple of bucks at the wreck yard..

 

How hard is it to replace? Can you do it without removing the hood? Doesn't look bad except for that spring which looks like it could be a b!tch.

 

The spring stays with the assembly. Two bolts to the hood, two bolts to the body and it's off. Assuming the hood is properly adjusted, take a scribe and mark the hood where the hinge mounts so the new one goes back in the same place. While you're hunting for an unbent hood hinge, snag a hood latch as well. They can wear as well.
Here's the hinge assembly removed...spring in place...

How to tell if a 240 has bent hood hinges...If the rear of the hood isn't flush, move on...

Closed, a bent hood hinge will always tell on itself!

 

Thanx Swift. I guess I'll have to bungee it until I find one.

 

It looks like someone is sitting in the backseat of that coupe.

This is Exactly what my hood looks like. No amount of adjustment will do anything huh? Previous owner had the same problem, lack of grease.......