C4 Hood Latch Problem
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 0
C4 Hood Latch Problem
One latch will not release unless I press down with a lot of force right over the latch while someone else pulls the inside lever. With the hood up, the cable and release lever work just fine. I believe, although I'm no expert, that the spring is either too compressed or too little and I've adjusted it a little in both directions with no improvement. Ideas anyone??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 6,272
Likes: 2
From: Chino Valley AZ
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Currently Corvette-less
Re: C4 Hood Latch Problem (Ron99/64/57)
You can solve the problem by buying the hood latch upgrade kit from Jeff Kopp at (800) 728-8267. The kit comes complete with latch plates, pins, springs, cable, and release handle. Surprisingly it is not too expensive.
You will be glad that you have done this. The new kit tends to tighten the fron end (hood area) and your hood will actually pop up 2 or 3 inches when released.
:seeya Purp
You will be glad that you have done this. The new kit tends to tighten the fron end (hood area) and your hood will actually pop up 2 or 3 inches when released.
:seeya Purp
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
From: Olive Branch (Memphis suburb) MS
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: C4 Hood Latch Problem (Ron99/64/57)
What Purp said. The old springs look like they came from a mattress, while the heavy duty ones look more like a valve spring. Only problem I had was you need a very large wrench( I think 1 3/4) to install them. :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 6,272
Likes: 2
From: Chino Valley AZ
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Currently Corvette-less
Re: C4 Hood Latch Problem (Ramrod92)
Ransome,
I used a 15: crescent wrench to remove the jam nut. It only took a little pull and it broke loose. After that, it stayed on the pin as I twisted it out of the hood.
Purp
I used a 15: crescent wrench to remove the jam nut. It only took a little pull and it broke loose. After that, it stayed on the pin as I twisted it out of the hood.
Purp
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
You can solve the problem by buying the hood latch upgrade kit from Jeff Kopp at (800) 728-8267. The kit comes complete with latch plates, pins, springs, cable, and release handle. Surprisingly it is not too expensive.
You will be glad that you have done this. The new kit tends to tighten the fron end (hood area) and your hood will actually pop up 2 or 3 inches when released.
Purp
You will be glad that you have done this. The new kit tends to tighten the fron end (hood area) and your hood will actually pop up 2 or 3 inches when released.
Purp
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,651
Likes: 1
From: Farmington UT
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
I got the hood latch upgrade kit from Corvette recycling today and installed it . It works perfect, and after fighting with the original ones for over a month, this upgraded kit is a pleasure. It worked the first time and makes the hood more solid. I am happy
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,180
Likes: 2
From: Yes it's hot! Arizona
Here is a link to the kit: http://www.corvetterecycling.com/product_p/10273994.htm 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,721
Likes: 1
From: Beautiful Down Town "SWINDLEHURST" Long Island NY
The beginning of this past summer - mine started to act up 
In my case - spraying every thing with wht. Lithium grease worked
But I'm gonna book mark that site
In my case - spraying every thing with wht. Lithium grease worked
But I'm gonna book mark that site
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
never do it without lube
the 'male' latch (the part that screws into the hood) needs grease BEHIND the point...rust at that spot creates extreme friction...grease applied to the male will rub off on the 'female' lower latch (bolted to the cowl) and after a few days all will be well.
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 78
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I actually broke my hood release latch, inside car under dash. I sprayed down with white lithium grease and worked the cable and latch and they worked fine with little to no resistance. Ended up adjusting the bump stop and works fine now. For any future visitors to this thread, maybe this could be a course of action before replacing latches. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,272
Likes: 17
the complete kit from corvette recycling has upgraded springs included that eliminate all this 'grease it ,spray it, adjust it, play with the latches every time you'ld like them to just work, agravating mess' , for the cost of what other venders are selling individual parts for without the upgraded springs. you folks can do or buy anything you like.
