The hood on my 64 roadster has always been a little tough to latch. Recently, it has begun to unlatch every time I take it out for a drive. I have tried adjusting the hood pins and tried adjusting the latches as well. Nothing seem to work...it may get a little better but still will unlatch after a few bumps in the road. What would you suggest I do and is there a "checklist" of problem solving steps? Thanks, I would really love to fix this once and for all.
64 hood will not latch properly
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Re: 64 hood will not latch properly
There are a couple of factors that can influence here...
The first is one of adjustment. Are the latches centered on the catches? A good way to tell is to cover the latch with aluminum foil and GENTLY close the hood to see where the impression of the catch is compared to latch center and iterate from there with your adjustments.
The second is an issue with worn parts. Closely eyeball the catches and the blade of the latches. Do you see 'scars' that indicate wear and a loss of metal? If so, you'll probably want to replace those parts that are worn/distorted...- Top
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Re: 64 hood will not latch properly
Those rubber bumpers are solely for setting the height of the rear of the hood flush to the vent grilles and sides of the surround, which should be done prior to adjusting latching. Latching adjustment is done by adjusting the length of the male striker pins on the hood, and ensuring that the pivoting piece in the female latches is in good shape and moves freely.- Top
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Re: 64 hood will not latch properly
There are a couple of factors that can influence here...
The first is one of adjustment. Are the latches centered on the catches? A good way to tell is to cover the latch with aluminum foil and GENTLY close the hood to see where the impression of the catch is compared to latch center and iterate from there with your adjustments.
The second is an issue with worn parts. Closely eyeball the catches and the blade of the latches. Do you see 'scars' that indicate wear and a loss of metal? If so, you'll probably want to replace those parts that are worn/distorted...
Hi Jack;
What's the adjustment point on that front hood?? Do you move the upper pin or the lower latch. I have one side of my '63 hood that is tough to close.. before I start taking things apart, thought I would ask. I like the idea of the tin foil BTW...
Joel- Top
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Re: 64 hood will not latch properly
I tried the foil method and it worked great. It looks to me like the hood needs to be moved back just a little. The gap at the front of the car is very tight and there is much more room up by the windshield. The male pin is hitting too far forward in the latch. How hard is it to adjust the hood back just a little? I also assume this is a two person job. Thanks again.- Top
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Re: 64 hood will not latch properly
I used to have one side pop up all the time too and I tried everything to adjust it. Then I hit a deer and all is well (after the repairs).
I don't know if it is correct, but I also use a good coat of white Lithium grease on the pins and latches. They work sweet.
Stu Fox- Top
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