Topic: HELP ! CAN'T OPEN HOOD !
in Forum: C3 Body
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I'm not sure if the cable broke, or, if the cable slipped the bushing 
. Either way, I can't use the hood release cable to open it 
. Any ideas how in heck I can get the hood open 
? Anyone ever go through this before and can offer help ? All suggestions are greatly appreciated 
! It's a ' 76 , btw !
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You're lucky you don't have a wiper door. You will have to fashion a slim jim type hook to hook the latch mechanism on each side through the wiper opening. Either that or you can attack it from under the car with a really long rod to flip the catch on both sides.
Lifetime MemberGreensburg, IN - USA
Joined: 9/24/2003
Posts: 5188
Vette(s): Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...
HHHMMMNNN... Don't look like my 76? (Kiddin, I like the mid year addition). If ya have small hands ya can reach under the cowl and get ahold of the cable ta give it a yank ta release the hood. If not take a coathanger (the hook end) straighten the loop end out so that ya can hang on to it. If this doesn't unlatch it then ya can go up from the bottom with a long screwdriver and try to trip the latch. The latter is definately a last resort. 
Tuxblacray 2007-01-18 15:01:34
take a coat hanger, prefferably ? strong metal and fab up a hook, so that you can reach under the hood from the wiper area and hook the hood latch,, after that go to eklers catalog and order the new cable,,you are lucky you dont have a wiper door,,,good luck, rd
MAN ! NOTHING LIKE BREAKING INTO YOUR OWN CAR 
. IF IT WAS A HORSE, I'D SHOOT IT AND EAT THE STUPID THING !!!! THANKS GUYS 
, I'LL GIVE IT A SHOT ...........
. IF IT WAS A HORSE, I'D SHOOT IT AND EAT THE STUPID THING !!!! THANKS GUYS , I'LL GIVE IT A SHOT ...........
You may be able to reach up from the drivers side and loosen the portion of the latch that is attached to the body. It takes a 1/2" wrench as short as you have. Two nuts and you can have the left side off; then you can pull the hood up enough to reach the cable. Can't remember what year they moved the cable from the hood to the body. Good luck and don't cut a hole in the hood. I have seen that done and it was ugly.
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AM I CORRECT IN THINKING THE CABLE TO GRAB AND PULL IS THE CABLE RUNNING SIDE TO SIDE ON THE HOOD ITSELF ?
Lifetime MemberIndianapolis, IN - USA
Joined: 9/3/2006
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Vette(s): Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed
Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses.
2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible
I can't remember what catalog I recently saw it in, but check Ecklers and Year One. They have a device that does what's being described above with the coat hanger. I'm not suggesting you buy one, but there's a picture in the catalog that shows how its used, and I'm thinking that would help you with the coat hanger idea!
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HARROD, OH - USA
Joined: 7/25/2003
Posts: 335
Vette(s): 1976 - L-48 Auto, A/C, AM/FM, Power Windows, Tilt Telescopic Wheel, Factory Aluminum Wheels, Inferno Red Matalic Custom paint with Black Leather Interior.
Bill, did you get your hood up yet! I have a late year 76 and I had this problem the first day I brought her home. It is frustrating for sure but, you can get it open with not a lot of trouble if you just know what to do. Before I go into typing all this let me know if you got it open. You can email me at vwhitehead@woh.rr.com and I will check back in a bit. Sorry, wasn't on-line earlier to see this one. Darn....
in Forum: C3 Body
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