hood problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 41
Likes: 4
From: Canada, New-Brunswick
hood problem
How do i open the hood on a 76? the passenger latch side is open but not the driver side. the cable is moving from the latch and i can feel it moving when i put my hand on the hood but the driver side is tight and wont open.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 99
From: Southeast, Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
the first thing to try would be to gently push the stuck side down while having someone operate the hood release. taking the pressure off the latch might assist it in operating. if it does work, be certain to check the cable attachment to the latch release and lubricate both sides with lithium grease or something similar for the future.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 275
Likes: 168
From: Pikes Peak region Colorado
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Here are a couple of things to try:
I would recommend someone to help if possible.
First make sure the hood on both sides is latched and gently(relative term) apply a little pressure to side the is not releasing while someone else is pulling on the release cable, the pressure applied can be downward ,upward, side to side or combination. This of course assumes there is not a problem with the release cable.
If not luck with above method ,on my 76 there is a plastic plug in the wiper well that is directly behind the latch, with a diagram and lock tools or screw driver you may be able unlatch hood. Since this method requires being up close and personal with the windshield a hand small mirror and light is recommended.
The next method if you have the lower splash behind the fender liner you can remove it once the rocker molding is removed and reach your arm if long enough and trip the latch. Gloves recommend since the cable ends can be quite sharp.
The last method is a huge PIA . You loosen the hood bolts accessible with the headlamps up and the headlamp door removed, the bolts can be turned maybe 1/8 turn at a time. When the hood is loosen enough it will allow laches to release assuming there is no problem with cable.
Yes I have had to use all methods at one time or another. If you up loosen hood bolts make that you realign hood before closing it again.
Good luck
I would recommend someone to help if possible.
First make sure the hood on both sides is latched and gently(relative term) apply a little pressure to side the is not releasing while someone else is pulling on the release cable, the pressure applied can be downward ,upward, side to side or combination. This of course assumes there is not a problem with the release cable.
If not luck with above method ,on my 76 there is a plastic plug in the wiper well that is directly behind the latch, with a diagram and lock tools or screw driver you may be able unlatch hood. Since this method requires being up close and personal with the windshield a hand small mirror and light is recommended.
The next method if you have the lower splash behind the fender liner you can remove it once the rocker molding is removed and reach your arm if long enough and trip the latch. Gloves recommend since the cable ends can be quite sharp.
The last method is a huge PIA . You loosen the hood bolts accessible with the headlamps up and the headlamp door removed, the bolts can be turned maybe 1/8 turn at a time. When the hood is loosen enough it will allow laches to release assuming there is no problem with cable.
Yes I have had to use all methods at one time or another. If you up loosen hood bolts make that you realign hood before closing it again.
Good luck
