hood latch adjustment/replace?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 107
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From: clarendon hills il
hood latch adjustment/replace?
'91 vette, hood latch wont engage on one side. After hood is closed, I can push down on one side and hood moves up/down. When driving, the hood bounces/bangs up and down when I hit a bump.
I looked at the hood spring and pin and I cant see anything wrong. The spring and catch plate looked rusty but I can't see how that would cause a problem. I was going to but a new spring and pin from corvette central, but I wanted to know if there are any good tips to troubleshoot the problem. I'm assuming it is the spring/pin, but could it be the "catch" plate? Also, is there an adjustment procedure I can follow so the hood latch will engage properly?
I looked at the hood spring and pin and I cant see anything wrong. The spring and catch plate looked rusty but I can't see how that would cause a problem. I was going to but a new spring and pin from corvette central, but I wanted to know if there are any good tips to troubleshoot the problem. I'm assuming it is the spring/pin, but could it be the "catch" plate? Also, is there an adjustment procedure I can follow so the hood latch will engage properly?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,326
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From: I live at www.domesticlugnuts.com I sleep in PA
I have never seen a '91 latch, but there should be an adjustment for the cable. If it is adjusted to much, it will not catch and lock the hood down. Just back it off a little, if you go to far the hood will be very hard to get open.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 1
From: Corunna Mi
The pin inside the spring is adjustable also. It may need to come out farther to catch. Loosen the big nut at the base and use a wide blade screwdriver to adjust the pin in or out and then tighten the big nut. You can put some grease on the end of the pin and then close the hood to see where it lines up with the catch to get started. It is trial and error but when you have it right it should latch with no movement when you press down on the hood.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 825
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From: Hanging out back with the dark horses. Wa.
Also you should have 2 rubber stops, one on each side by your latches. You can adjust these also.this will allow your hood to anly go down so far. after adjusting everything make sure your wipers are not hanging up on the hood. It will chip the paint, trust me.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 107
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From: clarendon hills il
thanks!!
Thanks for your suggestions. I think to get it just right, I would need to loosen the big nut and turn the pin, but I couldn't loosen the big nut. But I adjusted the rubber stopper and now its pretty solid. Thanks again.
