Hood doesn't "pop" up...
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Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Wakefield MA
Hood doesn't "pop" up...
Hi Guys - Just grabbed my 3rd C4 last week, an 86L 4+3, Black Coupe with 49k miles.
I'm noticing that when I pull the hood release with my right hand, I need to simultaneously pull the hood up with my left hand as it doesn't "pop up" that 1/2" or so to escape the latch - it's almost a two-man operation.
Are my latch springs worn? Are they adjustable?
I also ordered two new front struts to help lift the hood the rest of the way.
Thanks
Dave C
86 4+3 Coupe
I'm noticing that when I pull the hood release with my right hand, I need to simultaneously pull the hood up with my left hand as it doesn't "pop up" that 1/2" or so to escape the latch - it's almost a two-man operation.
Are my latch springs worn? Are they adjustable?
I also ordered two new front struts to help lift the hood the rest of the way.
Thanks
Dave C
86 4+3 Coupe
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: moraga ca
Nice ride. When you slowly close the hood, do the springs want to keep the hood from closing? Do they keep the hood up a half inch or so. If they do, your springs are ok, the latch needs to be centered. If they don't, your springs are probably shot. Good luck.
- 1986 Original Owner -
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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Dave, This is called the "Corvette Reach Around".
I wrote a paper some years back on this very issue. The part numbers are most likely outdated, but I'd be happy to send you a copy in pdf format. It mentions the upgraded springs that oldalaskaman pointed out. This would likely be enough for you, but I updated the hood prop to the later gas charged (I also have a late '86) and also replaced the hood assists at the same time. After that, my hood would pop even with someone sitting on it and I'd only have to lift it a few inches and it would raise the rest of the way on its own.
I wrote a paper some years back on this very issue. The part numbers are most likely outdated, but I'd be happy to send you a copy in pdf format. It mentions the upgraded springs that oldalaskaman pointed out. This would likely be enough for you, but I updated the hood prop to the later gas charged (I also have a late '86) and also replaced the hood assists at the same time. After that, my hood would pop even with someone sitting on it and I'd only have to lift it a few inches and it would raise the rest of the way on its own.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: WV
Also, you may not have the cables adjusted correctly to retract the lock far enough to release the pin. When you pull up on the hood you may be pulling it out of the locking mechanism which isn't opened all the way...Just a thought..
...WW
...WW
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Joined: Apr 2011
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Spring upgrade and adjustment of the long pins on the hood. Loosen those at the flat nut, not the cone. Once those are stretched out then look at the body stop pads. `The ideal adjustment will have some tension on the rubber pads but not binding. This allows the hood to "pop" when the latch is released. Be careful when doing this....its easy to get it too tight and stuck..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
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i spent over a month adjusting, streaching , a just generally getting agravated with the oem hood springs, bought the 'complete upgrade kit' from corvette recycling, threw away the 'emergency' cable releases, they work that good.
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Le Mans Master
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Care to share a link or part number? I looked all through their website & came up with nothing.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: moraga ca
Dave, This is called the "Corvette Reach Around". I wrote a paper some years back on this very issue. The part numbers are most likely outdated, but I'd be happy to send you a copy in pdf format. It mentions the upgraded springs that oldalaskaman pointed out. This would likely be enough for you, but I updated the hood prop to the later gas charged (I also have a late '86) and also replaced the hood assists at the same time. After that, my hood would pop even with someone sitting on it and I'd only have to lift it a few inches and it would raise the rest of the way on its own.
I wrote a paper some years back on this very issue. The part numbers are most likely outdated, but I'd be happy to send you a copy in pdf format. It mentions the upgraded springs that oldalaskaman pointed out. This would likely be enough for you, but I updated the hood prop to the later gas charged (I also have a late '86) and also replaced the hood assists at the same time. After that, my hood would pop even with someone sitting on it and I'd only have to lift it a few inches and it would raise the rest of the way on its own.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Orlando FL
I had that problem also. Traced it back to the driver's side latch. I loosed the adjustment on the hood but set it with light friction so it could just move but hold position. Closed the hood and itself centered. Then I locked it down and never had the problem.
You might have to loosen both first just to find out that the latches are the problem.
You might have to loosen both first just to find out that the latches are the problem.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 146
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From: MN
Nice car! I assume you've already given it the lube treatment. I had this problem and it was as simple as spraying some lithium grease on the latches and my hood pops every time now.
Might as well try it, it's nearly free.
Might as well try it, it's nearly free.
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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Not exactly. The early cars had a hood prop that had no assist. In actual fact the very early C4s had scissor type props, but I'm not talking about these. The non assisted props used two hood assist cylinders at the base of the hood. When they went to the assist type prop they used only one assist cylinder at the base of the hood. If you look closely at your '90 down at the base, you'll see one small assist cylinder, but the mounts for the second are there on the other side. When I did my upgrade I replaced both the assist cylinders with new ones and added the assist prop. This makes the hood sort of shoot up the last foot or so, probably why the factory removed one of the assist cylinders when they went to the assist prop on the later C4s.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Wakefield MA
Thanks Ray and everyone else, I appreciate of the input. My last 86 was the same way, but the hood "popped". I then added two new assist struts at the base of the hood, but never got to the gas-prop rod upgrade - I'll do it for sure on this car, the older I get the heavier these damn hoods are!
Drive safe,
Dave C
86 Coupe 4+3 black 49k miles
Drive safe,
Dave C
86 Coupe 4+3 black 49k miles
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Corvette Recycling is out of the upgrade kits, I put in a request for them to email me when they get some in. I know mine is aligned perfectly, last year the hood did raise maybe a 16th of an inch, just enough you could see it move. This year the latch has slipped back into place a few times after I pull it so it's obvious the springs are gone.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
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From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I have spent the last 2 hours going through every Vette parts dealer I could find. No one, not one dealer had this kit. That makes me a bit doubtful as to whether I want to put this on my car, what could the negative aspects be? I can see extra wear on the cables for sure pulling the latch mechanism with the extra pressure exerted by the upgrade springs.