63 corvette hood latch

[Robert P.]

The passenger side hood latch on my 63 won"t release. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I can get the hood open?

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

Bob;

I don't know what to tell you. I sure hope someone gives you some advice on this as it has been a fear many of us have had over the years. I have not had any problem ever with not being able to open mine (since August 63), but I once had it popping open on that side every time I hit a bump. A little adjustment and lubrication cured that.

Stu Fox

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

Can you reach up from under the car and touch the latch? If so, maybe you can trip the catch open with a slotted screwdriver.

If you must raise the car, please use appropriate safety measures (jackstands) before getting under there...

Good Luck,
tc

[Mike M.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

ya may have to remove the splash pans to access the hold latch. mike

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

Mike....what the heck is the story behind your Avatar pic.. Looks like yer all tied up with a rope and duct tape. Kinda kinky there ole buddy. anything you'd like to share with us?

[Mike M.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

i was at a regional in canada years ago, and that despicable 63 team leader , peckerhead colclough, had me tied up and duct taped so i wouldn't interfer with the team judging my 63 ZO6. mikie

[Tracy C.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

Sounds like a pretty dang smart peckerhead..

Am I gonna see your sorry "A" in St Louis this year?

[Bob B.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

The passenger side hood latch on my 63 won"t release. Does anyone have any thoughts on how I can get the hood open?

Hello Bob,
Any fix yet? Seems things come in threes. I guess I'm #2! Same month, same year car, same right side. Jeeze... Who will be #3?

I should have seen this coming. My hood latch release has malfunctioned. The passenger side has always been a little lazy. I mean for the last 35 years, not the last 35 days.



I took a friend out for a spin. We get back; I back the car into its spot in the garage and pull the hood latch. I disconnect the battery each time I am done driving. The left side pops up released, and then the handle comes out just a little further that it ever has. But the right side stays latched.

We tried all the same stuff anyone would. Pull again, and again. Close the left side and do it again. Bang on the right side while pulling. I was told somewhere that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. So, I am now officially insane.





Ideas? Advice? Solutions? Please?

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

This is a common problem. The right side latch isn't opening far enough to release, OR the hood has some tension on it trying to force it to the left which won't allow the latch to open far enough to release.
While a helper holds the release in the full release position, push on the center hump of the hood from the drivers side of the car, forcing the back of the hood slightly toward the passenger side.
This doesn't ALWAYS work but it works much of the time.

The right side latch needs to be adjusted toward the drivers side.

[John D.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

i was at a regional in canada years ago, and that despicable 63 team leader , peckerhead colclough, had me tied up and duct taped so i wouldn't interfer with the team judging my 63 ZO6. mikie

Dr. Mike, I don't see your name on the registration sheets for the Seven Springs regional next week. What's the matter Doc. Hope you are coming. JD

[John H.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

If the above doesn't work (cable stop has come loose or cable has broken), remove the big triangular splash shield from the frame and underbody (3 screws) and go up from the bottom with a piece of broomstick or a long screwdriver or prybar and move the protruding latch lever forward. Helps to have someone push down on the hood while you do this to reduce the effort required to move the lever (against spring pressure).

[Michael H.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

Dr. Mike, I don't see your name on the registration sheets for the Seven Springs regional next week. What's the matter Doc. Hope you are coming. JD

You change the subject over here at this place too??

[Bob B.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

If the above doesn't work (cable stop has come loose or cable has broken), remove the big triangular splash shield from the frame and underbody (3 screws) and go up from the bottom with a piece of broomstick or a long screwdriver or prybar and move the protruding latch lever forward. Helps to have someone push down on the hood while you do this to reduce the effort required to move the lever (against spring pressure).

Thanks Michael and John,
Looks like it's time for the floor jack and jack stands. Oh yeah, and working upside down in the dark. Yum.

Thanks for the help,

[John D.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

In life consistency is best policy.

[Bob B.]

Re: 63 corvette hood latch

Fixed.
I was right about the brass release stop coming off the cable. As John suggested I was able to get up in there with a long rat tail file and pop the latch. What a sweet sound that was. I put the brass stop back on the rod, adjusted the position to actuate the latch sooner, and I'm back in business.

Now that it's up on jack stands I am seeing stuff I need to attend to in the hygiene department.

Thanks again for the help guys...