emergencey hood release tool
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,023
Likes: 6
From: Austin Tx
There is a cable made that you can put in that will allow you to open the hood if the release doesn't work. Here is a link to one - http://www.volvette.com/AA75L.html . But it has to be put in before you have the problem.
For the earlier years you can remove the splash shield, lay on your back, and reach the release with your arm. I had to do this once, and found that I could only reach the tip of one finger on the release. Had my wife push down on the hood to release the pressure, and I was able to work the release. Some years have a cover in the wiper trough that can be removed, and a screwdirver can be used to work the release. Either way, there are plenty of threads here, and elsewhere on the net describing those procedures more completely.
My recommendation is after you get the hood opened, put in an emergency cable that you can reach from under the car.
For the earlier years you can remove the splash shield, lay on your back, and reach the release with your arm. I had to do this once, and found that I could only reach the tip of one finger on the release. Had my wife push down on the hood to release the pressure, and I was able to work the release. Some years have a cover in the wiper trough that can be removed, and a screwdirver can be used to work the release. Either way, there are plenty of threads here, and elsewhere on the net describing those procedures more completely.
My recommendation is after you get the hood opened, put in an emergency cable that you can reach from under the car.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 89
Likes: 5
From: Madison WI
On my '73, which will be the same for your '74, there is an access plug/hole just behind the latch in the wiper cove area. Mine had a black plastic plug in it. It's there so you can insert a bar in that hole and shove the latch forward to open the hood. I used a piece of (1/2"?) aluminum rebar that I had laying around. I used it as a drift before. I had to cut it a little shorter so it would fit into the hole and not hit the body/windshield.
Hope this helps.
Dale
Hope this helps.
Dale
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,283
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi md2,
Perhaps this info will help you.
As you can see it's from a Chevrolet Service Bulletin.
To help you with the scale; the rod is a total of 15 1/2" long. The lower leg is 4 1/4" to the inside radius and the taped area is 5" long.
Regards,
Alan
Perhaps this info will help you.
As you can see it's from a Chevrolet Service Bulletin.
To help you with the scale; the rod is a total of 15 1/2" long. The lower leg is 4 1/4" to the inside radius and the taped area is 5" long.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 4,118
Likes: 1,230
From: Madeira Beach, FL
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Alan,
Once again, I'm in awe.
I was always curious as to what precedure to follow for a snapped hood release cable?
And Presto, You have the Service Release from GM.
I am not worthy my friend.
Outstanding Contribution Again.
Thank you,
Marshal.
Once again, I'm in awe.
I was always curious as to what precedure to follow for a snapped hood release cable?
And Presto, You have the Service Release from GM.
I am not worthy my friend.
Outstanding Contribution Again.
Thank you,
Marshal.
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