Tuscany hood latches

[Agaveguy]

Has anyone with a Tuscany ever had the hood latches installed too far inboard to allow a good bite on the opening to secure it nice and tight?

After some driving around town in our '13 Tuscany on some not so maintained roads, a heavy knock/rattle noise developed in the front end, I determined it was from the hood. After closer inspection, the driver's side latch would not engage the opening at all, it was mounted about 3/16 of an inch too far inboard to do any good.

So, after some thought I removed both latches and TIG welded an extension on them so they would overlap the opening about 1/4" or so. Now they clamp down on the opening really tight. I also installed some high quality foam weatherstrip around the opening as an insulator.

I have not driven it yet but I would imagine it has corrected the noise.

Another thing I have noticed is that the middle of the hood is bowed out and not flush with the rest of the fascia. It was like this when I bought it so I don't know if they are all like that or if something else is going on with mine. Food for thought...if the hood was flat like it should be, the latches would probably be just right. Hmmm.

Everyone's thoughts on these items?

[TheArnolds]

Originally Posted by Agaveguy

Has anyone with a Tuscany ever had the hood latches installed too far inboard to allow a good bite on the opening to secure it nice and tight?

After some driving around town in our '13 Tuscany on some not so maintained roads, a heavy knock/rattle noise developed in the front end, I determined it was from the hood. After closer inspection, the driver's side latch would not engage the opening at all, it was mounted about 3/16 of an inch too far inboard to do any good.

So, after some thought I removed both latches and TIG welded an extension on them so they would overlap the opening about 1/4" or so. Now they clamp down on the opening really tight. I also installed some high quality foam weatherstrip around the opening as an insulator.

I have not driven it yet but I would imagine it has corrected the noise.

Another thing I have noticed is that the middle of the hood is bowed out and not flush with the rest of the fascia. It was like this when I bought it so I don't know if they are all like that or if something else is going on with mine. Food for thought...if the hood was flat like it should be, the latches would probably be just right. Hmmm.

Everyone's thoughts on these items?

I have not read before about the latch becoming disengaged but I have seen a couple of Tuscany's with the bow you mentioned. One would think that the hood could bow enough to cause the latch to become disengaged.

I will be attending the Thor Diesel Club International Rally in October (Goshen, IN Fairgrounds) and I will ask Thor about this condition.