Well guys, it happened. Broken cable or something but the hood won't open. I read the post about the handy dandy hood release opener but as my luck runs, no holes.

If you have  very skinny arms and are very agile, you can remove the vend and try to go up thru there.  Perhaps with a light you can see the latch and trip it from this opening.

Failing that, it is possible to run your hand in the middle and find the cross cable.  It is still most likely attached to the far side, and may still be attached to the near side as well.  Pull toward the windshield to release.  Hopefully, at least one side will come up, then you might get an angle on the other latch.

BTW, BE CAREFUL with the new cable you get.  I ordered one and tried the cable several times with the hood open.  The first time I shut it, it broke while trying to open it.  They are cheap and having two keeps you from having to have an extra shipped in.

You can go up from underneath. You may need to remove the Evap. charcoal canister first. I'm not sure on the '80 cars, but the earlier cars have small, sheetmetal splash shields down there, that need to be removed, also, in order to get your arm up to the latch area.

Jim,  Your 81 should be pretty much like my 82.  I have some pics that show the exact location of the holes and their relationship to the latches. Mine were plugged with rubber covers but they were there. If you want to see them let me know and Ill send them to you.  This has happened to so many folks here Ive tried to make tools that will do the job if it happens to me. 

Hey, I got lucky!  Well with the hood anyway. I managed to get my hand under the hood about center along the wiper area and grab the loose cable. The cable wasn't broken but the attaching point  on the cable housing was. Don't know if thats normal. I like the idea of a spare too Dennis, thnx.

I've thought of creating some form of cable attached to the latch point that would hang down into the fenders around the gills.  This could be pulled on each side should the need arise.

I too had an attach point on the drivers side come loose, then the holder that is bonded to the cable shield came loose and the cable would not hold tension, thats when I got lucky and was able to grab the cable.

I think the engineer who designed the hood latch cable idea knew he was about to get fired, so he said hey bubba, watch this

Glad you got it open!
dnv2008-01-31 21:15:17

 You know darn well that really happens.  I'm going to look again for those access holes and if not there I'm adding them. One way or another I'm gonna use this "handy dandy hood opener"!

Jim, I talked to a guy who has a body shop and has done several late model Stingrays. His advice was to reach through the center and hook the cable or go from underneath if possible.

These cables need to be viewed regulary as a maintenance precaution just to stay 1 step over the line sweet Jesus!

I check mine everytime I open the hood. I also have a spare cable I keep with the car in case it breaks someplace away from the garage.

This Registry has definately raised my awareness and honed my hood latch skills. (a lifer value added benefit)

Glad you got that rascal opened! Tuxblacray2008-02-01 04:26:17

I ran across a guy with a nice '73.  He just took the latches and springs out and lets it just lay there.  He says there are no problems running it that way. 71Shark2008-02-01 07:59:17

I wonder if the hood would fly up during a panic stop?