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Topic: Broken hood release

in Forum: C3 Body


Broken hood release

Posted: 1/30/04 1:13pm Message 1 of 8
Former Member
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Milledgeville, GA - USA
Joined: 1/19/2004
Posts: 5
Vette(s): 1972 Ontario Orange T-Top Stingray
Does anyone have any ideas on how to get the hood of a 72 TT type open if the release cable has broken. I have pulled the wiper/hood cowling off but no access in there. Am ready to get the big |hammer| and make a whole new hole,,LOL.. Any help is greatly appreciated. Chuck |idea|


|B| |/B||I| |/I|Drive a Corvette or Ride a Harley or just settle for 2nd class Excitement!!!
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Broken hood release

Posted: 1/30/04 2:28pm Message 2 of 8
Former Member
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
OUCH!!!!!!!! I think you can get to it from under the car. You have to be something of a contortionist though. The master cyl. will be in your way and the power brake booster if you have one will create more pain. Obviously take extra care to support the car as you will be under there for some time. Loosen the bolts holding the latch or the spanner nut that holds the assembly in the bracket. If your not sure what exactly to "feel" for. Find a similar car to look at and get an idea what is where from "down under" You will be working completely in the blind.
You may want to try checking the cable from the release handle first if you haven't. Take the bracket off and the handle. grab the protruding wire with a pliers and pull slightly. This may work if you simply do not have enough travel in the release cable.
Be patient, it can be done without hacking a hood.


Broken hood release

Posted: 1/30/04 2:36pm Message 3 of 8
Former Member
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
On another note, when you get the hood released and a new cable installed, positioning of the latches is crucial! That could be the cause of your current situation. Tape over the latch receiver in the hood, place a SMALL dab of grease on the very top of the post to center everything up. You also want to start with the post adjusted up pretty high and work it down incrementally until the hood height is correct. Next, adjust the stops( the rubber topped ones) If any of these pu the hood in a bind, it won't release properly.
Hope I helped! And again be very patient!


Broken hood release

Posted: 1/30/04 2:52pm Message 4 of 8
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Joined: 12/16/2003
Posts: 630
There should be a 1" plastic plug located where each hood latch is. They are located on the wiper trough forward bulkhead. I can't remember if you need to push the plugs through or pop them out, but once you get them out you can work the hood latches with a screwdriver through the hole.


Broken hood release

Posted: 1/30/04 6:18pm Message 5 of 8
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Wayne, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/31/2002
Posts: 973
Vette(s): White 1975 L48 Stingray 129,000 Miles, daily driver.
What big Fish said, one of these days I'm gonna post a picture of them. Little pry out plugs, they're on every year C3 Vette I've looked at EXCEPT the 1980 (changed latches and assumed they'd work).

Anyway, pull the plug out, fish around with a screw driver and pop the latch. It helps to have someone else's C3 there so you can see what you need to be looking for in terms of the latch.

Scot


Broken hood release

Posted: 1/31/04 9:00am Message 6 of 8
Former Member
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KERNERSVILLE, NC - USA
Joined: 1/13/2004
Posts: 1355
Vette(s): 1968 L-71 convertible
I really hope the easier method works! My 68 is an early car and doesn't have the holes. Sorry if I steered you wrong!


Broken hood release

Posted: 1/31/04 9:03am Message 7 of 8
Former Member
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Milledgeville, GA - USA
Joined: 1/19/2004
Posts: 5
Vette(s): 1972 Ontario Orange T-Top Stingray
Thanx for the advice but on a 72 coupe, you have to keep in mind the last year for the wiper hideaway door that they changed is to why I don't have the holes that you are referring to. I did however have them on my 78 Anniv. one but they are no where to be found on this year model. This is the reason for the post. It really has me stumped as I was expecting them to be there too and thought cool, I can do this like before but like everything else, Nope!!!! LOL Zora must have been a democrat in this year, nothing the easy way~ But thanx again for helping and replying~~~Chuck |saluteflag|


|B| |/B||I| |/I|Drive a Corvette or Ride a Harley or just settle for 2nd class Excitement!!!

Broken hood release

Posted: 2/2/04 7:52am Message 8 of 8
Former Member
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Wayne, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/31/2002
Posts: 973
Vette(s): White 1975 L48 Stingray 129,000 Miles, daily driver.
Contortionist sounds like it. My uncle's 80 doesn't have the holes either, first year for a different style release is what I suspect. On his car he can pry one side of the hood open about 5-6"(not sure why he found that out with >16,000 miles but he did) and with a long thin peice of steel you can hit the hood release on the stuck side. Might be worth considering, although not my favorite method.

Scot


in Forum: C3 Body


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