2000 series hood alignment

[Carverlvr]

I’ve been lurking and posting on here for a few months now as I’ve been refurbishing my HDS2135. Of course the grill was all bashed in and the headlights broken and it was missing the left side panel (still looking for a 2135 stickered one if anyone has one laying around). I’ve addressed all that and even did some light polishing on the many scratches and marks but I can’t for the life of me figure out why the hood doesn’t sit flush to the console. Did it ever? Or is this one of the many design flaws and I just need to accept it? Any input or experience is appreciated.

[Ozcubowner]

Try undoing the mounting bolts and slide the hood forward a fraction , that may assist in a better seating position
Or try lifting the front of the bonnet , put a couple of spacers in between hinges and bonnet
Oz

[IHCubCadet147]

Is it possible that the hinges are bent, and not allowing it to go down all the way? Here’s some pictures of my 2135 if it helps any.

[Carverlvr]

Thank you both for the suggestions. The pics prove it should sit flush. Mine really feels like it’s sitting all the way against the metal seat…for lack of proper terms: tab A is sitting tight against Slot B. Got any pix of tab A under your hood? I’m starting to wonder if a previous owner added something to mine that’s causing the spacing.

Much appreciate!

[jsoluna]

The four 1/4-20 (3/8" head) bolts that attach the grille and hood to the tractor - have you loosened those up and slid the hood forward? The brackets are slotted there for this reason.

[Carverlvr]

I don’t think I noticed that. Great suggestion! I’ll try that this afternoon and report back!
Thnks!

[IHCubCadet147]

Originally Posted by Carverlvr

Thank you both for the suggestions. The pics prove it should sit flush. Mine really feels like it’s sitting all the way against the metal seat…for lack of proper terms: tab A is sitting tight against Slot B. Got any pix of tab A under your hood? I’m starting to wonder if a previous owner added something to mine that’s causing the spacing.

Much appreciate!

If the adjustment doesn’t help, I can get more pictures tonight.

[Carverlvr]

Weird coincidence. I was continuing my search for the correct side panel and found another 2135 5 min from me. He wouldn’t part out but agreed to sell the whole tractor to me super cheap! So now I have my panel and can compare the two to figure out the hood alignment. His was cheap because the drive shaft broke while mowing and he doesn’t have time to fix. Is this complicated? I see used shafts pretty cheap on flea bay.

[jsoluna]

The driveshafts are very simple, four bolts on either end. They are coupled with nylon "barrels" and the tricky part can be getting them to stay in place while you install the driveshaft. I usually dab a little silicone on them to get them to stick to the hub.

I would inspect the bolts that mount the transmission to the frame and make sure they are tight and not stripped out. Same for the engine. These driveshaft couplers last forever if the engine and trans don't shift around.

You will need to remove the fender/floor pan for access. It is a good time to replace your fuel line and clean clean everything between the frame while you're in there.

[Carverlvr]

Soluna, thank you for the reply! I’ve watched your YouTube videos with great interest!! Do you have one showing how to pull the pans to get access to remove the drive shaft? I’m worried it’s more involved than I’m up for.