If you're planning to replace the hood of your Chevy Silverado 1500 and want to know if the hood from a Silverado HD will fit, you’ve come to the right place. We have researched this question and have the answer for you.
Unfortunately, the hood from a Chevy Silverado HD is not a good fit for a Silverado 1500.
In this post, we'll talk more about the hood of a Silverado HD and why it will not fit a Silverado 1500. Learn how to replace the hood of your Silverado in the sections below. Read on!
Why A Silverado HD Hood Won't Fit A 1500
The hood of a Silverado HD may fit the hinges of a Silverado 1500 with some adjustments. However, other aspects of the hood make it a bad fit.
The 2022 Silverado 1500 has a width of 81.1 inches, while the 2022 Silverado 2500 and 3500 have a width of 81.75 inches.
This slight difference in width could prevent the hood from closing completely. Moreover, this difference in width could cause the replacement hood to rub against the perimeter of the area of the original hood cover.
What To Consider When Buying An Aftermarket Hood
Since you will not be able to replace the hood of your Silverado 1500 with the hood from a Silverado 2500 or Silverado 3500, you might want to consider replacing it with an aftermarket hood.
Whether you're replacing the hood because of extensive damage or because you want to make your Silverado stand out from other trucks, an aftermarket hood is a good option that has unique advantages.
Some aftermarket replacements may follow the same measurements as the original hood, while others might match all the measurements but consist of a different material.
Lighter materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber can be a great modification to your Silverado.
Even if you’re not after reducing the overall weight of your Silverado, your aftermarket hood can include hood scoops.
A hood scoop is a modification on hoods where a hole is cut in the hood. The hole aligns with the air intake of the engine.
The outside of the hood has an air dam that gathers the air that will enter the engine. Additional air going into the engine will help add power to your truck.
Another popular modification to an aftermarket hood is a cowl rise, a modification to the cowl of your Silverado that allows hot air from the engine to escape to the back of the hood. It is like a hood scoop in reverse.
How to buy a car part online
Most online stores that sell replacement parts, like a hood, will have a database of part numbers. The database allows these companies to track their inventory of parts for different vehicle models from different manufacturers.
It also helps buyers to check if the part that they are looking for is available from that seller. Moreover, this database of part numbers helps distinguish a legitimate online car part seller from one who isn’t.
When buying a car part online, enter the part number into the vehicle selector of the online store's website to browse its replacement parts database and compare prices.
Some online sellers also allow you to search for parts using the model year, model name, and trim of your vehicle.
Always read the description of the replacement part to make sure that you are getting the correct part and features. Sort the available parts that you find. You can sort using any category that is important to you, like price, brand, material, or style.
Buying a replacement hood from a local automotive parts store is the same. You need to give them the details of your Silverado, like the model year and trim.
What to do when you get the replacement hood
Modern technology allows us to buy items online—even an aftermarket replacement hood. Looking for a replacement hood online saves you time because you don’t have to travel anywhere.
Once you get a replacement hood, the first thing you need to do is enlist the help of a friend. The hood of your Silverado is heavy and bulky. The weight might not be heavy for you, but its size will make it hard to maneuver for inspection.
Check The Packaging
You also need to check the packaging. Most aftermarket hoods that you purchase online will arrive in a box regardless of the size.
Check the box for any apparent signs of damage right away before you open it. If you find any damage, take several pictures of it and send a copy of the damage to the store.
If you don’t see any obvious external damage, proceed to open the package.
Be careful in using cardboard cutters. They can scratch and damage the hood inside.
Check the edges of the packaging for staple wires. You will often find several staples in most packaging, especially the packaging for heavy objects like a replacement hood for a Silverado.
Use needle nose pliers to remove the staple wires.
Check out these pliers on Amazon.
Inspect The Contents
Check the reinforcement and paddings that protect your hood. They should still be intact when you receive the hood. Any damage to the padding could indicate possible damage to the hood as well.
Check the corners and edges of the hood for dents and damage. A protective primer absorbs some of the scratches to the surface of the hood during delivery. However, it will not absorb forces that are great enough to dent the corners and edges.
How To Install A Replacement Hood
Installing a hood—just like unpacking it—is a two-person job. Two people supporting the hood during installation will help avoid the hood from scratching the finish of your Silverado or damaging the wipers or windshield.
Here are the simple steps to install a new hood on your Silverado.
- Make sure that your Silverado is on level ground.
- Activate the parking brake.
- Have a friend support one side of the hood while you support the other.
- Bring the hood to your Silverado and position it near the hinges of the hood.
- Install the bolts that secure the hood in place on that side.
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- Remember to secure the bolts but do not tighten them completely. This will allow you to align the position of the hood before tightening the bolts.
- Install the bolts on the other side.
- Close the hood and check the spaces and alignment on both sides of the hood.
- Once you’re satisfied with the alignment of the hood on your Silverado, tighten the bolts.
What Are Hood Pins?
If you decide to replace your hood with a lightweight material like fiberglass or carbon fiber, then you might want to consider installing hood pins.
A stock hood has a hood latch and is metal. The original design will keep the stock hood on your Silverado without problems.
However, hoods made from lighter materials are sometimes so light they can blow open due to the force from strong winds, or when you’re driving your Silverado fast.
Additionally, the latches of fiberglass hoods may not be secure enough. This is a safety hazard. Light materials cannot properly secure a latch to hold the hood down.Thus, you should install a hood pin to help keep the hood down for safety.
Can Hood Pins Help Prevent Theft?
Yes, hood pins can help prevent theft. To unlock some hood pins, a key is required. This increases the difficulty of a theft and can easily dissuade a potential thief. Additionally, some models of flush-mount hood pins make the hood hard to pop.
Conclusion
Even though the hood from a Silverado HD is not be a perfect fit for a Silverado 1500, you can still get a replacement hood. An aftermarket automotive parts shop will likely have a matching replacement for your hood.
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