Hood Release

[vinsZR-1]

Pulled the hood release and the passenger side will not open. Any ideas on how to open ?
Vince
1990 #1966

[Scrrem]

Vince, while you are pulling the handle, have someone push down on the hood and let up, it may pop up. Mine does that every once in a while. Hopefully the cable hasnt stretched or you may need a hood tool.

[tccrab]

You need a "Hood Tool".
Available at most aftermarket sites, here's one at Ecklers
http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corve...l?dept_id=1100
Here's a better pic of one at MidAmerica.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...-1-66-948.html
Basically it's a long wire with a hook at the end.
You open the door, slide it under the hood line, hook the hinge, then twist and it pops the release.
Now that you've seen one, go grab a long piece of welding rod, bend the ends and have a go at it.

Of course you could always grab the handy sawsall and cut the offending hinge off of the the hood but that would be just a tad extreme...............


TomC
'Crabs

[ittlfly]

I just used a black wire tie. Drilled through the bracket( on both pass and drivers side) that holds the spring tying it to the unlocking arm. The other end I let ''run free'' under the wiper blades. If the hood gets stuck I pull on the free end that is under the wipers and it releases the locking arm. I haven't had to use it yet but it works slick on a ''dry run''.

[Mystic ZR-1]

You can get at the hood latch by removing the front wheel and the inner fender panel and feeling around using a droplight and a welding rod with a hook bent into the end or even a coat hanger. It takes some work but it can be done. I did it on the driver's side of my '89 L98. Never tried it on the passenger side. Replacing the cables was "fun"...

[tf95ZR1]

Old Post, but I saw this somewhere before and did it this weekend as
one of my Labor Day car chores. With the supplies and tools, it took
about a half hour to do both sides.

3 feet of 1/16 braided wire rope
(1)1/16 ferrule and stop set package with (4) pieces
$3.50 total from Home Depot
I drilled a 1/8 angled hole in the latch frame,
and rubber seal/flap.
A long time ago I bought a hood release tool.
Even with dry runs it looked difficult to use.
Plus I have to lug it around in the car. With
these, I just reach underneath and pull.
PS: I have never had a hood release problem, but...

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by tf95ZR1

Looks very functional. I wonder if same could be done but
routed down and dangled a few feet so as to be reachable from
underneath?

[ghlkal]

Originally Posted by scottfab

I wonder if same could be done but
routed down and dangled a few feet so as to be reachable from
underneath?

Perhaps, but to release the latch you need to pull toward the center of the car which is easier with the cable routed as shown

tf's work is nice -- I just have a cable tie for "emergency use"

[scottfab]

Originally Posted by ghlkal

Perhaps, but to release the latch you need to pull toward the center of the car which is easier with the cable routed as shown

tf's work is nice -- I just have a cable tie for "emergency use"

but but but, if the first hole (through the metal shroud) is where you've placed it but the cable is routed down the force will be to the center. Hard on the cable but then not pulled often either. Certainly less noticible than something dangling near the wind shield.

I suppose this will be something to consider when/if the hood sticks.
It's never happened to me but then I lube the latch with motor oil and use a light lube on the cable as recommended in the manual every year.

[ghlkal]

Originally Posted by scottfab

but but but, if the first hole (through the metal shroud) is where you've placed it but the cable is routed down the force will be to the center.

You are correct ... it will work and look nicer


(You'll need this emergency release not just for somthing "sticking" but in case the hood release cable breaks)