1975 Hood problems
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
1975 Hood problems
I have a 1975 Vette I have purchased to modify and make a "Toy" to play with. Everything was going well until I closed my hood. I had the hood off to paint the under side and to replace the insullation. I was proud of my efforts until I closed the hood and it has been three weeks since I have been able to open the hood. It is stuck on the drivers side. I have tried shaking, proping the passengers side up and tripping the latch with a pole, pulling off the drivers side tire to reach the latch, etc... and nothing has worked. I had rather figure out how to fix the hood rather than taking it to a body shop.
Has anyone had this problem with a C-3 if so how was the problem fixed?
Has anyone had this problem with a C-3 if so how was the problem fixed?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,209
Likes: 12
From: Montgomery Alabama
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06
I had to go up through the front valence by the headlights and loosen the hood hinges on my 72 after I did about the same thing you did.
I have also heard that jacking up one side or other of the car while pulling on the hood release cable may pop the hood.
I have also heard that jacking up one side or other of the car while pulling on the hood release cable may pop the hood.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I'm looking for some similar help- except that it's my hood release cable that broke. So, both sides are still latched down in the locked position. Same suggestions? It's a 1976 L82, so it does have the rise in the center of the hood.
Thanks in advance!
Marcus
Thanks in advance!
Marcus
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Update on my hood problem:
I have used a lot of your suggestions and they have been very helpful but I haven't got the hood open yet. I have the passenger side open and I can create a 6" to 8" gap on the passengers side and I can see the drivers side latch that won't open. I can trip the latch but something is preventing the latch from releasing. I have one more idea I am going to try, I plan to use a piece of 1\2" tubing and place a metal wedge on the end and try to wedge the hood open. If I tear up the latch so be it and I will put a new latch on, probably replace everything on the hood. If it breaks the hood I will cuss and stomp and cry and buy a new hood.
Thanks for everyones suggestions and I will keep you posted - success or give up.
I have used a lot of your suggestions and they have been very helpful but I haven't got the hood open yet. I have the passenger side open and I can create a 6" to 8" gap on the passengers side and I can see the drivers side latch that won't open. I can trip the latch but something is preventing the latch from releasing. I have one more idea I am going to try, I plan to use a piece of 1\2" tubing and place a metal wedge on the end and try to wedge the hood open. If I tear up the latch so be it and I will put a new latch on, probably replace everything on the hood. If it breaks the hood I will cuss and stomp and cry and buy a new hood.
Thanks for everyones suggestions and I will keep you posted - success or give up.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Don't you will probably break the hood. Get something connected on the pass. side if you need to open again & get something hooked on the cable for ex. if needed for dr. side. Close pass side & work on opening dr side, best to open both at once.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
There are good pics. in this topic which should help you see what you are working with to do it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...uck-hoods.html
You might try shooting some lube in there to help. There are other topics on closed hoods w/ the latch system you have.
My latch system is different from yours. I did a write up on my type (which was not sent as it would not help) & sent to many who have opened theirs.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...uck-hoods.html
You might try shooting some lube in there to help. There are other topics on closed hoods w/ the latch system you have.
My latch system is different from yours. I did a write up on my type (which was not sent as it would not help) & sent to many who have opened theirs.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Poteau Oklahoma
I am in the same boat with my 74. Replaced motor put on the hood and the dang thing is doing the same thing as yours, left up and right stuck. I'll let you know if I get mine somehow.
David
David
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
This is intended for others reading this thread:
Anytime you want to remove the hood, make certain that you mark the location of bolt heads, outside edges of brackets and latch frames, etc. It's the only way to limit [not prevent] the problems described above.
[Hope you are able to get the hood back in line without any damage.
]
Anytime you want to remove the hood, make certain that you mark the location of bolt heads, outside edges of brackets and latch frames, etc. It's the only way to limit [not prevent] the problems described above.
[Hope you are able to get the hood back in line without any damage.
]
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Sorry for the late reply - I have been on jury duty and have to return tomorrow. I still do not have mine open. I have taken pictures of the stuck side. I have enough gap on the passengers side to get a camer underneath the hood. I hope to post by the end of the week if jury duty does not take up too much time and I don't forget my camera again. I did find a corvette shop in Birmingham that specializes in the older vettes but they are only opened Monday thru Friday so it will be next week before I get mine into town.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I have given up after a month of trying. I have found a corvette shop in Birmingham that works on the older vettes and I will be taking it to them week after next, they are at the corvette convention next week.
I really appreciated everyones help and comments. There is good people in this forum and maybe someday as I learn more about these cars I can offer comments and support to someone.
I really appreciated everyones help and comments. There is good people in this forum and maybe someday as I learn more about these cars I can offer comments and support to someone.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 212
Likes: 3
Don't remove the hood
I just did my 75. Jack up the drivers side. Right behind the front wheel on the bottom is a piece of metal/seal that seals the bottom of the fender with three bolts. two on the bottom and one to bottom of the body. Remove the three bolts. Remove three more bolts directly behind the drivers side tire to remove a black canister in the fender well. Once removed, you can reach up and around the brake booster to get access to the hood release levers. 
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
hood latch
There are good pics. in this topic which should help you see what you are working with to do it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...uck-hoods.html
You might try shooting some lube in there to help. There are other topics on closed hoods w/ the latch system you have.
My latch system is different from yours. I did a write up on my type (which was not sent as it would not help) & sent to many who have opened theirs.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...uck-hoods.html
You might try shooting some lube in there to help. There are other topics on closed hoods w/ the latch system you have.
My latch system is different from yours. I did a write up on my type (which was not sent as it would not help) & sent to many who have opened theirs.
Can you buy these? If so, Where? I don't have the skill set to fabricate something like this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,074
Likes: 332
From: Dallas TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'09,'22,'25
