'82 Hood Latch
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
'82 Hood Latch
I have an 82 with the hood latch stuck on the passenger side. The driver side of the hood will release, but the passenger side does not. I have been doing research and I am trying to trip the release of the latch through the access hole below the wiper.
Problem is, I have no idea what I'm looking for under there. I'm trying to find a picture of the latch for an '82.
Can someone with an '82 or a year that would be similar take a picture of their passenger side hood latch (with the hood open) and post it here?
Also, I read that sometimes you can reach the cable from the middle of the hood. I'd like to try doing this as well, if someone has a picture of what I should be pulling on under there.
I'm trying to be as delicate with this car as possible.
Thank you!
Problem is, I have no idea what I'm looking for under there. I'm trying to find a picture of the latch for an '82.
Can someone with an '82 or a year that would be similar take a picture of their passenger side hood latch (with the hood open) and post it here?
Also, I read that sometimes you can reach the cable from the middle of the hood. I'd like to try doing this as well, if someone has a picture of what I should be pulling on under there.
I'm trying to be as delicate with this car as possible.
Thank you!
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,374
Likes: 224
From: Beecher Illinois
As you've found the access hole for the pass side, take a flat blade screwdrive with the blade horizontal and insert it straight in and downward. Push, don't twist or pry.
You're sinply tripping the same lever that the cable pulls down.
It helps to raise the wipers and park them up.
You're sinply tripping the same lever that the cable pulls down.
It helps to raise the wipers and park them up.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I think I found it. It did not release the latch though. I was moving something downward and it was coming back up in its own. However, there was no clicking sound like the mechanism was moving or the hood releasing.
My only guess is I was on the hood spring.
I'll go out and try again, this time making sure it is horizontal.
My only guess is I was on the hood spring.
I'll go out and try again, this time making sure it is horizontal.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 4
From: Bulverde, Texas
I have an 82 and the exact issue happened to me 4 months ago. It was unable to use those access holes. It was just too difficult. I pulled the release lever and the drivers side would pop up but the passenger side would not. So what I did was pull up on the drivers side corner of the hood (you won't bend or break it) just enough for you to get your hand in. Grab the Cable, Pull it toward you and Viola!
I had to open my hood that way for a month until I had the chance to fix it. You probably have a broken cable mount. They are plastic and break easy. I replaced mine with rubber coated metal cable stay/mount, works great!
I had to open my hood that way for a month until I had the chance to fix it. You probably have a broken cable mount. They are plastic and break easy. I replaced mine with rubber coated metal cable stay/mount, works great!
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I have an 82 and the exact issue happened to me 4 months ago. It was unable to use those access holes. It was just too difficult. I pulled the release lever and the drivers side would pop up but the passenger side would not. So what I did was pull up on the drivers side corner of the hood (you won't bend or break it) just enough for you to get your hand in. Grab the Cable, Pull it toward you and Viola!
I had to open my hood that way for a month until I had the chance to fix it. You probably have a broken cable mount. They are plastic and break easy. I replaced mine with rubber coated metal cable stay/mount, works great!
I had to open my hood that way for a month until I had the chance to fix it. You probably have a broken cable mount. They are plastic and break easy. I replaced mine with rubber coated metal cable stay/mount, works great!
First, I'm going to answer my own question for people who may need to know this in the future.
In this picture the cable has already been disconnected, but you can see the grommet you have to push INTO the inside of the engine bay.
You can also see the lever you need to trip with your SHORT screw driver.
(1982 Corvette Hood Latch)
Hopefully rats have not been in your car.
Now my question:
Is this cable routed properly or did someone install the wrong length of a cable? I figured it should run in a straight line along the top of the hood seal and not be routed around various engine components.
Also, what is the best source for a new cable? I don't want any cheap reproduction crap that doesn't fit.
Last edited by piemat; Jul 5, 2009 at 12:24 PM.
