Hood release ideas?

[BBShark]

A friend of mine has a 71 that has problems with the hood release latch. It pretty much takes two people to get it to work. The whole setup is not in great condition but, if it's going to be replaced, anyone have some suggestions on how to improve the stock system? Maybe later hood latches are better?

The engagement of the driver side latch pawl to the cable seems like it could be improved and the cross cable to the other side. The latch assemblies themselves look like the same design that was used on millions of cars without issue, probably could benefit from some friction reduction.

 

[mrvette]

ASSuming the cross connect cable is in good shape and decently adjusted, I found the very best solution was a coat hanger cut open on bottom, hook wrapped around latch, hang down further forward, and put a loop with a piece of rubber hose on it...grab handle....the other leg of the hanger hangs down in the fender for backup....I never need anything else on my '72 here, until I reverse hinged the hood some years ago....

never could get a good reliable fix for the stock setup....for one thing, it never seemed to retain enough travel to actually release the catch...

I finally got pissed enough to do it my way, it never showed unless you stuck your head down near the kick panel.....just no release handle/bracket...

:thumbs:

 

[Ricisan]

Locking Hood Pins?

I too hate the stock system. I want to use some locking hood pins, any suggestions for some good ones?
Sorry for the hi jack, but it might work for you too?

R

 

[joehalford01]

I too hate the stock system. I want to use some locking hood pins, any suggestions for some good ones?
Sorry for the hi jack, but it might work for you too?

R

I second that, how many have done hood pins? I'll probably go with some moroso non-locking but it would be cool to hear that some of the locking ones are worthwhile.

 

[mrvette]

When I reverse hinged my hood some 4? years ago, I just got some stainless 1/2" bolts about 5" long, stainless washers and snatch pins from West Marine....cut the hex heads off the bolts, cross drilled and ground down the cut end....mounted on the old hinges.....drilled the hood, washer, pin...done deal....

never rust, stainless steel, top quality from a boating supplier....

:clap::clap::crutches:

 

[010752]

I didn't do much to mine other than clean them up a bit, lube and adjust properly. You can latch the hood by dropping it from 3" open and pull the release lever with your baby finger.

I used to have both sides cad plated but that method is now history. The last involved ones I did were just rough sandblasting and soaking in phosphoric acid for a couple of hours, wiping with an old towel to prevent the black buildup and letting them drip dry. Then soaking them in gear lube and drip dry. It sort of fakes a black oxide finish.
The lip on the bottom of the posts needs grease, I used teflon and the pull handle needs a good cleaning inside and I used teflon there too.
I really don't think these latches can wear out, just need some tender loving care to work decently.

 

[Garys 68]

Did locking pins on mine, from Summit. They are key locks. Even used the original springs and mounts. Sorry for the bad pics.

 

[Ricisan]

Gary: Which ones from Summit, how much and are you happy w/result?
I would like black, but I like using the orignal springs and mounts.

R

 

[Garys 68]

Link below.
Check on ebay for black ones.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MRG-1472/
I replaced mine because my hod would occasionally pop open on curbs. They work great.
You'll have to do some mods to get the pins at the same place on each side of the hood. The original latches were not symetric.

 

[vette427sbc]

You can latch the hood by dropping it from 3" open and pull the release lever with your baby finger.

Same here, although I never even cleaned mine up. Just a good adjustment is all mine needed when I got the car.