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I have not been out much this summer in my 1974 for a number of reasons. But today - despite iffy weather - a local Chevrolet dealer was having a classic car day. I have been dealing with this firm for many years and they are only 10 minutes away so why not! A couple of pics show the old and new Corvettes and a clone from American Graffiti, nicely done. In all I would estimate >100 cars participated. I bailed just before a small rain shower appeared but I enjoyed the time there.
The problem? One fellow wanted to talk some engine talk so I pulled the hood release handle. You can see the result. My hood is locked shut. I will have to figure out how to get it open (??). I have a new release cable with handle on order. Any comments would be appreciated.
Hi Paul
Sometimes it's just nice to get out of the house, even if it's not far and not for long.
Regarding the hood. You can get it up in the air and get at the cable from underneath but it's a long way up.
Did you install one of those trays that hides everything in the wiper area?
M
In my '81, there is a rubber plugged hole under the back of the hood just behind that hood latch. Same thing happened to me, got it open using that hole, but a real pain. Not sure if your year has that. The guys on here gave me the info, years back.
BTW, your 'Vette looks great!
Hi Paul.
Well!
That's a bummer!
For 68-72 cars there are some instructions from Chevrolet for releasing the hood when the cable fails.
Might there be something similar for 73+ cars?
Maybe in the body section of the Chassis Service Manual?
Regards,
Alan
I add these only so you'll understand what I'm describing.
Hi Paul
Sometimes it's just nice to get out of the house, even if it's not far and not for long.
Regarding the hood. You can get it up in the air and get at the cable from underneath but it's a long way up.
Did you install one of those trays that hides everything in the wiper area?
M
Yes, I have the tray which I guess will complicate matters although once the hood is up it comes off very easily. If that is relevant.
Hi Paul
The tray might sort-of get in the way a bit but should still work
Oddly enough, I think this is your hood
With a piece of something thin/stiff like welding rod (coat hanger might be too big but would work) On the passenger side, sneak the wire in from the windshield and grab the cross over cable anywhere between the center bolt and the passenger latch, closer to the latch the better.
When you pull on the cable (even though you have the sleeve) it should be able to unlatch the passenger side latch.
In theory, you should be able to see a little of what you're doing and again in theory, push the cable into the sleeve on the passenger side might unlatch the drives side but in reality it'll probably not but you should be able to see enough to use your coat-hanger to get at the end of the cable where it hooks to the drivers latch and trip it that way
I know the feeling Paul. I had the same thing happen at a car cruise but when I got home with my 72 I was able to easily get it open by reaching up through the opening for the drivers side egg crate. Yours broke in an odd place . They usually break at the end of the wire .
I know the feeling Paul. I had the same thing happen at a car cruise but when I got home with my 72 I was able to easily get it open by reaching up through the opening for the drivers side egg crate. Yours broke in an odd place . They usually break at the end of the wire .
Thanks but I don't have an egg crate. I don't want to fight with the problem this evening. I am very tired. But the suggestions are appreciated.
Hi Paul
The tray might sort-of get in the way a bit but should still work
Oddly enough, I think this is your hood
With a piece of something thin/stiff like welding rod (coat hanger might be too big but would work) On the passenger side, sneak the wire in from the windshield and grab the cross over cable anywhere between the center bolt and the passenger latch, closer to the latch the better.
When you pull on the cable (even though you have the sleeve) it should be able to unlatch the passenger side latch.
In theory, you should be able to see a little of what you're doing and again in theory, push the cable into the sleeve on the passenger side might unlatch the drives side but in reality it'll probably not but you should be able to see enough to use your coat-hanger to get at the end of the cable where it hooks to the drivers latch and trip it that way
I thought this through last night. Given where the cable broke, there must be a lot still in place. I pulled on the metal sheathing from the handle apparatus and sure enough a steel cable was exposed (bottom right of pic, a little hard to see). A sturdy yank with pliers and the hood popped open. A new cable is on order. Thanks for the suggestions!
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Hi Paul,
WOW! You were lucky to get it open.
You and all C-3 owners should hook up an emergency hood release wire.
Attach one end of a wire to the unlock mechanism and tuck the wire under the hood where you can get to it if needed.
Or you can hope to get another 40+ years before the release wire breaks again...
Glad it worked out so easy for you Paul
M
Thanks. I ordered the parts from the place in Windsor so they should come along pretty quickly without border issues and the $US (the parts are in stock). I haven't sorted out yet how I am going to get the cable with shielding back up the inside to the hole (with grommet) in the firewall. Not much room in there. Looks like a touch and feel process.
Well done! The best solution is usually the simplest.
Nice work!
Been there, done that, on the side of I-90, at night, in the rain. Good thing mine's a '70. I even made a new cable, but it was a long time ago. I think I drilled out the old cable from the 'T' and soldered/brazed in a new cable (used a bicycle brake cable, I think).
My thought is to shove the steel sheaving up the steel old cable that I can see and locate it at the hood release along with rubber grommet that I have ordered. Then release the old and install the new cable. Does this sound like a plan?
An OK Day with a Problem
