did a search and there was some conversation a while ago that didn't contain any solutions, so since i'm in desperate need right now here goes...

the passenger side release mechanism on my 84 isn't functioning. now before suggesting the wire type tool thats available, be assured i have one and in this case it isn't working.

i've removed the inner fenders so i can almost get my fingers to touch the latch pin (hope thats the correct nomenclature), the cable end is completely free of the stamped steel clip that goes on the release arm. further, i can't feel the arm at all (which is why the wire tool doen't work).

i can get to two of the three bolts/screws that hold to the hood itself but cannot even feel the third bolt.

does anyone know the size of the jamb nut on the pin? my next thaught is to try to release the jamb nut and slowly back out the pin.

any better ideas??? i've got at least 12 hours in this thus far....

thanks for your help on this pia.

 

TTT

 

:eek: I had a close look at my 85. If you have been able to remove the cable housing off the side of the body of the hood release mechanism and cant feel the release arm, it is probably broken, but it is a pretty substantial piece of hardware !!. Is there anyway to get a small mirror up to see if it is actually there & maybe just out of reach. I think that the jamb nut that you are refering to is really the LARGE fixed nut on "top" of the coil spring. It appears to be attached firmly to the plate that you were trying to remove, this plate has 3 bolts,one on the windshield side and one hidden right over top of that release body and the third one seems easily accessable from inside with the inner fender removed. The pin adjustment is done with a flat blade screwdriver inserted into the tip of the pin, which of course is now inside the latch/release mechanism. If you have any parts catalogs, see if they have any pictures of the area or go to a GM parts place and get a print out. The only way I can think of releasing it is with a coat hanger that might reach down into that release mechanism. A real long shot would be to feel around on the "outside" of the housing for a small 1/4" hole right next to the release. You might be able to insert a short piece of coat hanger etc with an "L" bend in it, then hook and pull the release. Good Luck. I think I am going to hook a piece of light wire (or maybe fishline) to those arms and run it out and tie it to the top door hinge. If my cables ever break I don't want to have to go thru this :eek:

 

ttt

 

finally got it open this afternoon.

was able to get my son to put his hand up in there and he was able to feel the lever. after that i found an old cheap screw driver that i was able to "modify". put a 90 deg bend 3/8" from the tip and a 45 deg 2 3/4" down the shaft.

i was able to insert this over the top of the "cup" of the lower catch. felt around for the lever, and caught it. with the other hand i pulled down on the hood, and then pulled the screw driver toward the center of the car. this did release the mechanism.

turned out the stamped steel clip broke off killing the release.

before i reassemble it i'll make a "back up" release for this side so its less painful in the future.

also, bought a couple spares and this will become an anual maintenance replacement.

thanks for the help to those who helped with their comments