I seem to open and close my hood quite often - checking fluids, cleaning under hood - you know the drill.
Hood is original GM not re-pop.

So is it better to leave it up, or continually open and close - typically I just lower it to a resting position and not close it all the way. Each lift seems to be an opportunity to exacerbate an already present (3 years +) very small fiberglass ‘stress crack’ - thoughts? Thank you

 

I don’t believe that opening/closing the hood with normal exertion will cause stress fractures. If your hood is 50 years old, the gel coat will most likely fail from engine heat, ultraviolet light, age and vibrations from the engine/road before simply opening and closing. I would not personally consider normal pm operations a hazard provided that your hinges are properly lubricated.

 

Thanks, I appreciate your feedback, yes hinges are properly lubricated. Neighbors, family and friends crack jokes regarding how often I’m under the hood, and it got me wondering if I’m doing any harm to the fiberglass with frequent up/ down movement.

 

Do it smoothly, slowly, and with both hands.

 

That’s what my wife says!

 

The trick is to be sure the hinges are well lubricated. Unnecessary loads on the hood come from having to overcome friction in the hinges.

 

Lubrication, both hands, slowly, smoothly...... got it! Thanks guys

 

There any trick to that or simply work some axle grease in the joints?

 

I use the spray can white lithium grease. The only problem is that it makes a mess.

 

Thanks for warning. I shall do.

 

When I had my hinges rebuilt, they came back with the recommendation of using Sea Foam Deep Creep to lubricate them. I suspect maybe less residual clean up. Of course lithium grease is also an excellent choice as well.

 

Get a Zoom oiler and fill it with 30W oil.
A drop every so often followed by a wipe with a rag when it runs.
I get mine at my local HVAC supply house.

 

Not closing it fully would probably be beneficial, just don’t forget to latch it before driving!

GM never designed these cars with the mindset that they would still be on the road after 50 years. If all you have is a couple small cracks, I’d say that’s pretty impressive. I bet there isn’t a aftermarket hood that would hold up to daily use that would last half as long.