Is my 97 RT/10 Hood Bracket damaged?

[MJBComp]

I was detailing my 'new to me' 97 Viper RT/10 engine compartment this evening when i noticed that the black square tubing frame that holds the hood looks like it has been bent on both sides about halfway up (if you have the hood open)...

Is the frame suppose have a bend/kink in it on both sides?


Thx...nervous...

 

[TOOOFST]

Normal condition.I can truthfully add,This bracket assembly was not displayed as an engineering masterpiece at this years FABTECH show.

 

[luc]

My guess is that the "bending" is not due to poor/bad quality but on the contrary, is part of the safety engineering design (crush zone) to allow the brackets to fold under an impact and consequently stop the hood from backing/pushing toward the windshield under a frontal impact.

My guess is based on the inner fenders of my 69 Mustang having "creases" in them for this exact reason.

One more proof that the Viper is "modern" 60' Muscle Car!!!!!.

Luc.00GTS