HELP! 1981 Hood Stuck on Pass Side
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
HELP! 1981 Hood Stuck on Pass Side
I have read through countless threads on this topic, checking out the tech article on MMA's site, and looked at other threads on other sites. My car does not have a rubber plug to pop out on the passenger side. It has a black plastic net that covers everything up and it is bolted in from the engine side. I cannot see or access the hood cables even with the driver side up. I tried bending a coat hanger in hopes to push on the the latch from the wiper area but of course I am flying blind. I have my AIM next to me but I just can't see what I am doing. I am a competent mechanic and car enthusiast but this one it starting to get to me. Any real pictures of how to tackle this on an '81 is greatly appreciated. BTW I have already seen the post and pics of installing new little hold downs from the hardware store. Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Worst case-jack up the front of the car, reach up and pull the cable. You should have that plug, about 3 inches from that mesh. You also can lift the corner that is freed, and slide your hand in and pull the cable. Did this last week for a friend. BUT BE CAREFULL how far you pull up!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
I positively do not have a plug on the pass side. I can see the one on the driver side. I have pulled some of the mesh away but still cannot access the cable. I was able to hook the the driver side of the cable with a coat hanger but upon pulling very hard on it nothing is happening. I have the pass side of the car jacked up and the wheel off. I have looked all up in to the engine bay and stuck my arm as far as possible, still no cable. What am I missing here???? Some have posted they have been able to get their hood open in like 5 mins. I am at the hour and a half mark and still no progress.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
Good news, I got it! I did in fact have a plug but it was completely hidden from view until I put the wipers up. I will be installing emergency pull wires and inspecting exactly why this happened. Thank you Daanbc.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 10
From: Palm Beach Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 745
Likes: 66
From: Hutto Texas
I found the problem. The passenger side hold down broke off and thats why it would not let me pull it to release it, just too much slack. The cable appears to be the original and its already on the last hold on the tension tab. I will be getting some of the rubber insulated hold downs from Lowe's when I get the new cable.
Last edited by Hardway; Nov 7, 2010 at 10:27 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 44
From: East TN
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
