1980 hood stuck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 22
From: Crystal Lake IL
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
many of us have had this problem. pry the hood up and use a long screw driver to push a plastic cap off to gain access to the latch. if u do a search you'll find a much better explanation.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; I made up a pc. of 3/8 " all thread with a slight bend in it & slipped it between the windshield & cowl, it pushes the plastic plug out into the engine compartment, letting the 3/8 " all thread touch the release, to open it. If you have another one to look at, that is open, you will see how easy it is to do. Best of luck, Have a great day Gene
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 664
Likes: 1
From: Orlando, Florida
I tried this method last night and it worked like a champ.
I was able to do this by myself...and you have to feel for the inner metal cable to pull but you can get it....and suddenly..."POP" it popped right open.
Be very careful not to pull the hood up too far or you will crack your paint.
Thanks for that info Daleman.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Frustrating as heck.
Jack the car up a bit (6~ inches) just behind one of the front wheels then try to open the hood. If no luck, try jacking up the other side. This works 75% of the time.
For the other 25%, I find it necessary to loosen the four hood hinge bolts, two per side, that point down. With a 1/2" open-end wrench, crawl under the front of the car and you'll have to snake your arm into position to loosen the hinge bolts. Once they're loose, you can slide the hood around a bit until it releases.
Jack the car up a bit (6~ inches) just behind one of the front wheels then try to open the hood. If no luck, try jacking up the other side. This works 75% of the time.
For the other 25%, I find it necessary to loosen the four hood hinge bolts, two per side, that point down. With a 1/2" open-end wrench, crawl under the front of the car and you'll have to snake your arm into position to loosen the hinge bolts. Once they're loose, you can slide the hood around a bit until it releases.
