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I have a 1981 Corvette that has been sitting for a few years and when I went to pop the hood it wouldn't release. The handle under the steering wheel has a lot of tension and no matter how hard I pull nothing happens. I have watched a few videos but haven't seen much besides reaching up blindly trying to find the latch release. I sprayed the latch from underneath with PB blaster and let it sit but nothing freed up. I do not know enough about the latch to know what I'm trying to feel for when I reach up from underneath the car.
I'm open to any suggestions or tips to help me solve this issue!
The '81 is the same as my '80. You can reach the latch by reaching up through the opening where the "gills" are and moving the latch down.
Once you have your arm up at the hood latch find the lever that opens the hood and pull down on it.
Another alternative is to go from the windshield wiper trough, knock a plug out and reach in with a screwdriver or something similar to push the arm down.
Hope this helps a little.
3 videos sent on my 82. I am pretty sure your 81 will be the same. Two for the passenger side and one for the driver side. Once watching them all, you should have no problem popping your hood without damage.
So, I was able to reach the latch from the gills on the side pretty easily the, only issue is the latch is seized it will not release. I have sprayed it with PB blaster in hopes that it will give but nothing yet. If anyone has any other suggestions that would be great!
You will have better results by removing the entire locking assembly and then soaking it in a rust remover ( if rust is evident ). HD sells Naval Jelly that I have used many times, just don’t use the stuff on aluminum as the stuff is very strong. On really rusty parts, I let them soak overnight.
You need a helper to release some of the pressure off of the latch. While you are fishing through the gill port, have someone push down on the hood near the latches.
1981 Corvette Hood wont Open
