Hood rattle
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Hood rattle
My '79 developed a rattle about a year ago that is driving me crazy. It sounds like it is coming from behind the dash, but honestly it could be coming from anywhere in front of the driver. I have disassembled and reassembled about half the car, but I am currently leaning toward it coming from the hood. If I pull the hood release while it is rattling, it stops. I first thought it was the hinges as there was a lot of slop in them. I replaced the hinges with new ones, but the rattle is still there. Maybe even worse. Now I suspect the latches. There is just as much play in the latches as there was in the hinges. Unfortunately replacement hood latches do not appear to be available. Has anyone else had this issue? Has anyone rebuilt their hood hinges to take out the play? Any suggestions are most welcome.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Salmon Arm, BC
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Agree with above, with the spring's in place and a proper rubber seal, it should hold tension on the hood. At least enough to prevent a rattle.
You could put on louder exhaust and or turn up the radio.
You could put on louder exhaust and or turn up the radio.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
In the meantime, has anyone ever rebuilt the hood latches with a bolt to reduce the looseness?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
Since it bothers me when guys post problems that result is extensive discussions and numerous suggestions, and then don't post the solution to the problem if and when they solve it, I'm resurrecting this thread to let everyone know I finally cured my rattle. Turns out the air conditioning line that comes off that back of the compressor was rattling against the hood. I have AFR 220 heads with raised exhaust ports. Turns out that raised the A/C compressor just enough to cause the A/C line to touch the hood. The solution was to lean on the line and bend it down about 1/4". Problem solved. For free.
Thanks to everyone who responded with suggestions.
Thanks to everyone who responded with suggestions.
