Topic: Hood will not open
in Forum: C3 Body
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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...
Glad ya got er up Bruce... Now fix them thangs... 
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Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
So Bruce. Once you got it opened, 
what did you find kept the hood from opening, and how'd ya fix it? Almost had this problem after my 
-up A/C install, but it was only the driver's side that wouldn't release. They 'fixed' the problem by moving my hood off center. 
I'm afraid to move it back. Maybe Mr. Wizard (aka AA) can figger it out. 
what did you find kept the hood from opening, and how'd ya fix it? Almost had this problem after my -up A/C install, but it was only the driver's side that wouldn't release. They 'fixed' the problem by moving my hood off center. I'm afraid to move it back. Maybe Mr. Wizard (aka AA) can figger it out. I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas... 
I have a 72, and I have the same problem - I can't open the hood.
The hood release cable melted!
I've read MANY posts saying that it's easy - remoev thew side grill. But NONE of those posts explained how to remove the grill. I have the rocker panel off, and the splash gaurd off.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Matt
Lifetime MemberModerator
Moses Lake, WA - USA
Joined: 4/16/2005
Posts: 2134
Vette(s): 1976 L48 4-spd, Mahogany Metalic exterior, Buckskin interior 350ci/350hp, 3rd owner, fiberglass spring, 255/50-16's Torq-Thrust II
The latch lever sits above the brake master cylinder. I think if you remove the splash guard which is a horizontal piece that fills between the frame, left front inner fender well and body you can get your hand up to the latch. I had to first remove my carbon canister on my 76. I think if you shine a light up there you may be able to see the tap that everyone is talking about. It can be done, I did it on mine and I have short arms.
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Leavenworth, KS - USA
Joined: 1/24/2007
Posts: 426
Vette(s): MM Red 1971 T-top,LS5,4-speed, black leather C5 seats, Hooker sidepipes.
Previous: 64 Coupe, 65 Roadster L76 / N14
For future reference ('cause this WILL happen to someone else), I saw the description and dimensions for a special tool that will pop the hood in such a sit-she-a-shun. Very simple to make from thin stock. It was either an old thread here or on Corvette Forum. If I find it, I'll post it again. Should be a sticky. 
Thanks!
After I removed the Carbon canister, I was able to reach the latch.
At first I couldn't get the latch to release, had the wife come in and apply some pressure to the hood/latch, and that made it easier to pull the release.
Thanks again,
Matt
P.S. I still don't see how you can remove the side grill from underneath - ie. while the hood is closed.
There should be two screws on the outside and a nut on a threaded rod at the bottom in the center of the grill on the inside. It goes through a hole in the fender. It is hard to see unless you can get under there but if you will reach under you will be able to feel it. Remove the two screws and the nut. The grill will then come forward a little then up and out.
Good Luck!
Tim-
IF YOU CAN`T GET THROUGH THE SIDE VENT. GO UP THE FRONT FROM UNDER THE CAR AND RELAES THE FRONT HOOD MOUNTINGSCREWS FROM THE HOOD. IT`S A LITTLE TRICKY BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE, BUT IT SHOULD ALLOW YOU TO RELAESE THE HOOD. I SPENT 3 DAYS ON ALL THE OTHER METHODS BEFORE TRYING THIS ONE. IT TOOK 5 MINUTES.
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Joel Adams
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in Forum: C3 Body
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