I tried to open my hood last week and the cable broke off in my hand. How do I open the hood on my 69 vette to replace the cable? I do not want to remove dash, etc. Any help will be greatly appreciated. I am at DD245@AOL.COM
Thanks.
Thanks.
-
-
Re: Hood release cable broken with hood shut. Help
From the number of times I've had a hood pop open from bouncing along an old country road, I'd say you could just make a quick run through the country on some bumpy roads if you are not in a hurry and the car can run.
If the cable broke and the piece that is in your hand is very short, there may be enough sticking through the firewall to reach it if you pull the sheathing out. Then grab the inner cable with a pair of pliers and pull gently to open the hood.
I've known a few to be successful with a slim jim on the drivers side to catch the release about 6 inches forward of the rear edge and pull/push it to open. The catch needs to go forward if you catch the piece on the left side of the hood, to the left if you catch it from the rear side.
Otherwise, you need to snake your hand through from underneath and reach up to where the release is. You might be able to see and reach it through the gills, but I don't have a '68 or '69 around to check.
Good luck. -
Re: Hood release cable broken with hood shut. Help
There should be a hole covered by a knock out plug in the wiper well at each latch location. Its true for later years, I think it will be for 68 also.Comment
-
Re: Hood release cable broken with hood shut. Help
I just had the same thing happen on my 70 coupe. I removed the gill panel on the driver's side and was able to reach up and release the hood latch bu hand. It was suprisingly easy. If you can't gain access there on the 69 get under it and reach up past the master cylinder to the latch release. Take a look at the AIM for an idea of what the latch looks like. You will need to push it back toward the windshield to release. If you can't do that try to get hold of the cable that goes accross the hood and releases the passenger side latch. If you tug on the cable it should release the passenger side.Comment
-
Re: Hood release cable broken with hood shut. Help
David:
Get the hell under the front of the car!-----make sure you use a good hydraulic jack to get the nose up in the air-jack under the engine cradle. Then be sure to use 2 good 2 ton jack stands under the front of the frame before getting under the sonofabitch. If you have a weak back, then use a "Jeepers" creeper, otherwise a piece of cardboard on the floor, or an old piece of Turkish carpet. Use a strong flashlight and a buddy to JIGGLE( heh, heh, not teats or falsies) the remnants of the cable. Once you locate the cable, then snag it with a bent clothes hanger, or a bent piece of piano wire. As you can see, there is no easy way----you have gotten yourself into trouble. Good luck.
Joe
PS:
Of course, if you can remove the handle assembly from inside the car, and the cable is accessible, then grab it with a pliers, and pull the sonofabitct, say a prayer, and by golly the dang bonnet will open.
JoeComment
-
Re: Hood release cable broken with hood shut. Help
David,
I think this will explain how to solve your problem.
Don Smith #27087Comment
-
if you have someone
gently push down on the hood while you try and open it it will be easier to move the latch without the spring tension on the hood.Comment
-
for next time
I have seen a 60 with a nylon string attached, as a back up. Rather dawdy,
but nice if you need it.
LarryComment
Comment