vetteaddict1

Cable broke and driver side latch is shut passenger side is unlatched.

I can access only one hood bolt up front and can't seem to reach the latch that's locking the hood. Does anyone have a photo of the hood latch mechanism on a 73 both top on hood and bottom at firewall and any suggestions on how to get this opened.

I've had problems with the driver side even when the cable was good.

Thanks

U17

Do a "search" , lots of threads on here to help ...

croaker

I just did this.Here's what worked for me take off you splash pan on the drivers side I had a 3/8 piece of SS tubing about 2 1/2 foot long push it thru the hole in the wiper well have someone with a light look up there and guide the tubing or whatever on the latch and push real hard or tap it with a small rubber mallet it will be hard if it's stuck and not just a broken cable. I jugged a long time in the hole and never really felt the latch another set of eyes helps

mapman

Check this out: Access the lock by removing plugs (both sides) in the windshield wiper well, then trip the hood release with a screwdriver.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4BhkZ26nTQ

croaker

That video is the general idea, but his setup is a little different

73, Dark Blue 454

I've had this happen several times on two different 73's. Frustrating as hell. It's good that one side is unlatched.

With a half inch open-end wrench, you can get to the two bolts that attach the hood hinge to the body. You want to loosen those two bolts on the side that won't disengage.

Lift and crawl under the front of the car and reach up and noodle around with your fingers to find the two bolts then go back with your wrench. Not that bad really.

Then once those two bolts are loose, then you can move the hood a bit over the offending latch and create more clearance. This will likely work.

If not, at the same time you're moving the hood around with one hand, you have to work the long screwdriver trick through the cowl plug with the other hand.

You'll get it.

croaker

I looked at that bolt deal looked like you could reach one bolt,but the other would be hell

jotto

Had this happen a couple of times on my 75 when I had it.

First time I managed to pop the hood using a screwdriver through the hole method as per the video.
Easier method was to get the car up on ramps, crawl under with a piece of stiff wire poked up at firewall and hooking cross cable and pulling.

Once open, replace cable but also adjust the latches to the correct position. I used a dab of grease on the hood pins etc to show how off center they were and adjusted as required. Worked fine after that.

Also, if one side is open, lift it as much as possible whilst fishing for the cross cable from above.....done it that way also!

One final tip, bit of a pita but easier than removing hood bolts, jack up one side of the car and pull on the cross cable. If it doesnt release, jack the opposite side. Cant remember which way worked for me but think it was opposite side to the stuck side.

Good luck.

7T3C3TTZ07

Here is a description of the "screwdriver through the hole" method that was posted by another CF membe. When you get the hood open Mid America sells cables (#604-801) that provide a backup.