Hood latch problem
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Cranston RI
Hood latch problem
Hi,
I am 18 years old and recently purchased a 1985 Corvette. I've wanted one my whole (short) life. Unfortunately there is a problem with the hood latch. When I pull the handle the pop the hood only the passenger side of the hood will come up. I've tried using a little force but don't want to do any damage. If anyone could give me any advise as to how I should go about fixing the latch on the driver side I'd greatly appreciate it!
Thanks a lot!
I am 18 years old and recently purchased a 1985 Corvette. I've wanted one my whole (short) life. Unfortunately there is a problem with the hood latch. When I pull the handle the pop the hood only the passenger side of the hood will come up. I've tried using a little force but don't want to do any damage. If anyone could give me any advise as to how I should go about fixing the latch on the driver side I'd greatly appreciate it!
Thanks a lot!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 19
Can you get hood open? If so you can then adjust the latch cable. Each latch has it's own cable end that is adjustable. It adjusts like a bike brake cable. If you cannot get hood open you must buy the hood "jimmy" tool that is available thru most corvette companies.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
I concur with the previous post. The hood on my 86' does not pop up at all when released, but when I lift it, it is free and unobstructed in it's movement. I would adjust my hood release cables, but they are already at the end of there adjustment capability, so I will be replacing them soon.
And also,
Welcome to the forum!
And also,
Welcome to the forum!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Welcome to the forum. As for the hood release - if you can open it, adjust/replace the cable as mentioned above. If you can't, try this. Make sure the hood is closed and latched. While pulling the hood release, put some light pressure on the DS hood, just above the latch. With some luck it might come open when you pull up.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
I had a similar problem on mine but it wasn't the hood release it was actually the part on the hood that locks down, the spring part, I did some adjustments to it and now it works fine. My problem was due to bad hood alignment
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
MidAmerica Designs www.madvet.com had a nice illustrated hood adjustment write-up you could get faxed to you for free. Fax: 217-347-2952 It should help solve the problem. If you don't have fax capability, send them an email at madvet@madvet.com and ask for the "Suggested Procedure for 1984-96 Hood Adjustment".
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Had this problem yesterday as a matter of fact. Might be the way the hood's aligned with the holes. With someone pushing on the hood (down) over the wheel-well, the driver side popped open. Once we got it open, found some broken parts 
3 parts on order now though, good luck and welcome 
3 parts on order now though, good luck and welcome
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,940
Likes: 5
From: Chesapeake VA
Originally Posted by csc67
I also have a vette that likes to only unlock one side of the hood after pulling the hood release - Can someone give me a little more detail on how to adjust the hood release - Thanks
HTH
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,721
Likes: 708
From: Bergen County, NJ
After you adjust the small hexagonal "pipe", you might want to replace the springs on each side of the hood. Costs about $4 each at any Corvette parts supplier.
BTW, I bought my 1st Vette when I was 18 too. That was in 1968, a 1965 green 'stingray' coupe.
Good Luck with your Vette.
BTW, I bought my 1st Vette when I was 18 too. That was in 1968, a 1965 green 'stingray' coupe.
Good Luck with your Vette.
