Hood Saver for John Deere tractor

Installation – Hood Saver for John Deere Tractor

Hood Saver Instructions for john deere tractor

Thank you for purchasing the 3D Fusion Labs Hood Saver.  The hood saver is design to strengthen or repair and strengthen your John Deere hood latch.

Tools Required:

> 10mm socket
> Flat head screwdriver or small pry bar
> Isoprophyl alcohol and lint-free cloth
> Eye protection and impervious gloves
> Well ventilated area

Step 1: Prep the Hood

  • Open the hood.

  • Remove the two bolts securing the hood latch striker to the underside of the hood.

  • Use a screwdriver or small pry bar to remove both panel nut inserts.

  • Clean the hood mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol (or plain water).

  • Lightly scuff the cleaned area with sandpaper to help the glue bond.

  • Clean again with alcohol and allow the surface to dry completely.

Plastic Glue (provided) is recommended in all installations.  It is required if your striker mount is already broken or cracked.  This glue is specifically sourced to bond the hood saver with your hood.

Step 2: Test Fit (No Glue Yet)

  • Insert the hood saver into the mount. The flat side should face the hood.
  • The striker will rest on the shelf side of the hood saver.
Hood Saver OrientationHood Saver for John Deere tractor
  • Reattach the hood striker to the hood saver mount using the supplied bolts.
  • Tighten just enough so the mount can still be moved with some effort.
  • Slowly lower the hood and check alignment.
  • Adjust left/right and front/back as needed so the latch lines up properly.
  • Open and close the hood a few times to confirm smooth operation.
  • Mark the final location of the mount with a permanent marker for reference.

Step 3: Glue the Mount

  • Disassemble the hood striker from the mount.

  • Apply glue liberally to the flat side of the mount.Hood Saver for John Deere tractor

  • Place the mount back in position, using your marker lines for alignment.

Hood Saver for John Deere tractorHood Saver for John Deere tractor

  • Thread the bolts into the mount to ensure the holes line up while you hold it in place.

  • Hold the mount firmly for 30 seconds to allow the glue to set.

  • Let the glued mount dry for at least 2 hours before reattaching the striker.

Step 4: Final Assembly

  1. Reattach the hood striker to the hood saver mount.

  2. Tighten the bolts snugly — typically 1–2 full turns after the bolts make contact.

    • Go slowly.

    • Do not overtighten. If you hear plastic cracking, you’ve gone too far.

  3. Test by opening and closing the hood to ensure smooth latch engagement.  Adjust hood striker as needed.