1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

[Joe M.]

I thought the hood release in my car was original, but it does not have a "V-shaped" rod as Paragon says the originals had. is this true or not. Paragon states that their hood release cable assemblies pass PV.

Do these photos look like a repro assembly? I have owned the car since 1989 so it has not been replaced since then.

What is the purpose of the short piece of bowden cable sheathing that is crimped to the driver/passenger cables? My guess is that crimping 3 cable sheathings was better than crimping two cable sheathings together.

[James Y.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

From what I can see in the pictures, that looks like the original style. The paragon unit might pass PV but it will not pass with full credit the judging.

[Las K.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

Joe, My cable is out of the car and I just compared it to your photos. Your '60 is the same as my early '61.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

i suspected that Paragon's hood release assembly was not an accurate reproduction. There catalog states that the pull rod is v-shaped like the originals.

My original hood pull handle assembly is now junk unless I can find a chrome escutcheon to replace my destroyed escutcheon. I installed a tiny set screw to take the place of the broken plastic sleeve. I should have left well enough alone!

Is anyone restoring the hood release handle assembly?

[Donald H.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

Joe, unless I'm not thinking of the description correctly, I see what is called the V groove in your cable handle, and it looks like the one I have. Although technically the groove is more if a U than a V

I to need a hood release assembly for my 1960. All I got with the car was the handle and cover, but no cables, mounted in the park brake bracket. I assume it is an original.

How is the Paragon one incorrect? If I look at a closeup view of the Paragon assembly you can definitely see the V groove in the handle and very much like the groove in the handle of the photo attached.

Again, what is wrong about the Paragon reproduction?

Don

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

The "V-shape" channel had me concerned until the part arrived last evening. It is very close to the original. Here are the differences I noted:
1) The repro has slightly larger lettering on the handle than the original
2) The wires are stainless steel instead of steel (according to Paragon Tech guy), but they attract a magnet; must be high iron stainless.
3) crimping just back of threads and at bowden cables is slightly different, but it is a good repro.

The biggest problem I have with it is how hard it is to slide the handle back and forth; more difficult than my 51 year old handle. Paragon Tech guy stated that stiff sliding is the tradeoff for making the handle so it won't wiggle from side to side. I lubed it with white lithium grease and purchased new springs. I plan to install it tonight and will report on how well it works.

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

The way I see it, the groove on the repro is actually straight on the sides and flat on the bottom, just like the original; not a V at all.

[Donald H.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

Thanks for the update.

[James Y.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

What is wrong with the Paragon hood release is the view from the front side. The black plastic piece, that keeps the handle from truning, is not on the repo.

[Bob M.]

Re: 1960 Hood Release Cable Assembly

FWIW, I took my cable apart and replaced it with choke cables long enough to do the job. I had no problem with the release or restriction of any kind. I even made a part that went into the grove to stop it from turning. The car Duntoved with not problem. It can be re-built and pass judging.