In renewing this 1978, there are so many different ways to order this cable, and other additional enhancement parts, pins, stops, etc. What is working for everyone, is there a particular vendor who has the right "kit", so I am not looking for something else when the cable gets here?

 

Just like a '79, there are two hood release cables on a '78.

One cable has the “Hood Release” “T” handle on one end and the other end attaches to the driver’s side hood latch. There is also the cross cable that connects the driver’s side latch with the passenger side latch.

Due to the design, pulling the handle will activate both cables and thus open both latches, releasing the hood.

On my car, I ordered just the “68-79 Hood Release Cable Handle Only With Wire.” The one without the bracket or plastic conduit. Then I simply replaced the old “T” handle & wire by feeding the new wire up through the factory installed bracket/conduit and anchored it with the brass stops just like the old one. The brass stops are available if you need to order them.

Next I replaced the cross cable by installing it much like the old worn out cable was run. You will see that you have several different adjustment positions to choose from for the perfect fit. You can adjust the hood release in such a way that both latches will open at about the same time when you pull the handle. You might want to order a '68-'82 Hood Latch Cable Clevis Pin kit to make that an easier job if you have missing pieces or need new properly sized cotter pins.

A word to the wise: There are two holes in the firewall that are covered with plastic plugs that can be pushed out toward the front of the car. That direction is critical because a screwdriver can be inserted under the rear of the hood and through these holes to release each hood latch. This is a critical fallback plan provided by Chevy since hood release cables have been know to break or slip out of adjustment. One should first practice releasing the hood latches with a flathead screwdriver with the hood up until proficient. Then try it with the hood down until it becomes second nature. Then you will never be locked out of your engine compartment.

 

I broke my hood release last night and I was reading your post. The conduit has a piece stuck in the end on the back and it seems like it is really attached. Is that the old brass stop that has just been pulled some into the conduit. I was also wondering if you get the t handle with the wire that is six inches are so can you just connect the two wire instead of putting in a a whole new wire. Mine broke right at the tee handle. When I get home later I will take a picture. I was thinking you can tae some of the wire coating off exposing the pull wire and just attach the two wire?

 

Yes from what you have described, you are looking at the brass stop. You will need to pull that out of the cable housing, remove the cable stop, and insert the new cable into the housing from the other end, and attach the cable stop. Bend the wire over after the cable stop to prevent the cable from slipping through the stop, and cut off the excess. You cannot join the old and new cables together.
C3highway says he "simply replaced the old “T” handle & wire by feeding the new wire up through the factory installed bracket/conduit". I did mine about a month ago and I would describe it the same way, except for the word 'simply'. It took me about 45 minutes to feed that cable through the housing. It helps if you put a very slight bend in the end of the cable, just enough that you can rotate the cable to get it to clear any obstructions along the way. That, a lot of patience, and a couple of beers will get you through it. Good luck

 

Is it possible to post a picture of your handle and the cable stop. I not quite sure about the cable stop on the end of handle. I think it meant to add it at the end of the conduit to hold it in place.

 

Or are you talking about under the hood.

 

When my hood release handle broke, I just pulled it all, ran a length of coathanger steel wire up through the rubber nipple, hooked to the latch, and put a lengthof 3/8 hose over the length, bent a hook to hold it on the bottom,.....so I have to reach into the car a bit further to release the hood....

 

The cable stop is what actually applies the force to the latch when you pull on the cable. It is the last thing on the cable after it goes through the latch. I think it will be obvious when you look at it. I can post a photo tonight if you are still unsure.

 

That would be great just so I know I have it right the first time lol

 

Here's the photos of the hood release cable.

 

. That’s perfect I was getting confused and thinking it went on the end of the t handle . I thought there were two stops