c4 hood release cable installation
Thread Starter
Acct suspended by request 12 Dec 2012
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Louisville KY
c4 hood release cable installation
Hello, I am replacing my old cable. I bought an aftermarket (Dorman). After a frustrating 2 hours getting the old cable out and the new one in place, the cable end at the latch is too short. It wont reach the clip of the latch. I thought that maybe I did not get the cable at the handle release end in place properly but everything looks good. The cables are in the groove of the release handle and seems to be pulled forward as far as they will go...
Any ideas?
Gary / Louisville, KY
Any ideas?
Gary / Louisville, KY
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
YUP--experienced the same thing with an after market product for my 87. Had to shorten the adjustment barrel a bit to get more travel/room, then added a piece of stiff wire in a double-hook fashion to connect the short cable end to the metal tab that actuates the hood release. This was on the pass-side, think I had to shorten the adjustment barrel on the driver's side too. Was going to return the cable but decided to "make" it work and save the return postage--its not real pretty if you look close but it does work--good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 20,172
Likes: 672
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Just replaced the hood cables today.
Its a slam dunk project.
Got the cable set from Fullthrottlecorvette on the fleabay.
Only problem was seating the firewall grommet.
Its a slam dunk project.
Got the cable set from Fullthrottlecorvette on the fleabay.
Only problem was seating the firewall grommet.
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I also just installed the aftermarket Dorman 912030 hood release cable and both sides are too short - by a good 1-2" with the adjustment all the in for max cable.
This is a PITA to do this work and have the part be crappy like this.
So maybe i'll learn my lesson - if it $18 at Rock Auto and $40 everywhere, spend the $40!
This is a PITA to do this work and have the part be crappy like this.
So maybe i'll learn my lesson - if it $18 at Rock Auto and $40 everywhere, spend the $40!
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Hi! Ordered the Dorman part on eBay, which sits in its box waiting to be installed. Does anyone know if, in the ensuing three years since this discussion, Dorman has sorted the short cable problem? Or - ought I return the part and get another one? Many thanks!
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Talked with a tech at Dorman customer service. He said the last complaint they had about the cable lengths was in May of 2012. So, it would seem I can keep the part and have the desired results.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by Sean Brian Kirby; Oct 7, 2015 at 06:54 PM. Reason: Misspelling
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,361
Likes: 2,732
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 276
Likes: 5
From: Sarasota Florida
You know how ironic this is. I JUST purchased the Dorman hood latch cable for 19 bucks through RockAuto. I made the mistake of doing ZERO research on this product and it bit me in the ***. After having everything hooked up, the inner cables are too short, the metal cables are of cheap build and I asked myself that same question. I removed the Dorman one, accidentally broke both hood latch retainers (had to hunt those down) and went to my local GM dealer. Spent 80 dollars for an OE cable. The inner cable itself is roughly a quarter to a half inch LONGER, notice how the Dorman metal cable, when bent, stays in that bent position? The OE one does not do that. Excellent quality for the 80 dollars. Money well spent? Probably not. It's infuriating to continue to sell a product they've gotten calls about, apparently not enough calls. At this point I'm going to contact RockAuto to let them know.
Last edited by Stephenms; Oct 11, 2015 at 04:11 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cockeysville Maryland
Ended up going with the GM part, from the dealership. It's quality was obviously nicer. The cable was flexible - that's how cable's supposed to be, my Dad said - with a higher-quality, shinier look to the metal.
Oh... it was expensive - about $84 - but hey, who wants to spend all that time putting in a part that doesn't fit? I removed the old cable, then Dad helped me get the new one shoved through the firewall, with the assistance of some dishwashing detergent, which we deemed would not affect the rubber, and would not have a permanent presence over time, like a greasier product might. Getting this through was not easy, but it was not horrible, either. It took about 5 minutes or so of grunting, pushing, pulling, and coaxing, I in the engine bay, Dad shoving from inside the car.
Dad did the final adjustments to the latches, and operation is absolutely smooth. Recommendation? Go with the factory, Made in the USA original equipment.
Oh... it was expensive - about $84 - but hey, who wants to spend all that time putting in a part that doesn't fit? I removed the old cable, then Dad helped me get the new one shoved through the firewall, with the assistance of some dishwashing detergent, which we deemed would not affect the rubber, and would not have a permanent presence over time, like a greasier product might. Getting this through was not easy, but it was not horrible, either. It took about 5 minutes or so of grunting, pushing, pulling, and coaxing, I in the engine bay, Dad shoving from inside the car.
Dad did the final adjustments to the latches, and operation is absolutely smooth. Recommendation? Go with the factory, Made in the USA original equipment.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 130
Likes: 17
I just installed the Dorman cable on my 85. $20 from rockauto.
I had no idea what I was buying. I think the quality issues are not important other than the fit.
The inside cables were slightly too short (1 cm), so that the minimum adjustment of the outside sleeve would not allow the lock to fully close. The hood would not lock shut.
I unscrewed the adjustment caps and carefully cut away 1 cm of the threaded sleeve. The adjustment sleeve has just over an inch of threads. Screwed the end cap back on and now it fits perfectly. If it stretches I can still adjust the slack out out. It was worth the $20 to me, and the quality seems fine.
I had no idea what I was buying. I think the quality issues are not important other than the fit.
The inside cables were slightly too short (1 cm), so that the minimum adjustment of the outside sleeve would not allow the lock to fully close. The hood would not lock shut.
I unscrewed the adjustment caps and carefully cut away 1 cm of the threaded sleeve. The adjustment sleeve has just over an inch of threads. Screwed the end cap back on and now it fits perfectly. If it stretches I can still adjust the slack out out. It was worth the $20 to me, and the quality seems fine.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
As of December 2018 Dorman has not fixed the problem. Bought a Dorman cable on eBay and it was shipped from Eckler's so I'm guessing it's current. Same issue about 3/8" short on both sides. had to trim the adjusters to get it to work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,489
Likes: 868
From: Saratoga Springs NY
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Had just installed cables on my 88 (see other post). The cables would not release the hood. Another member here told me to cut the treads, so i did about 1/2". Now have plenty of slack. Easy fix, but I agree, shouldnt have to do this. Mine were from Corvette Central i believe.
