Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

[Ted K.]

There is no reaction when pulling on the Hood Release handle. It pulls back about the proper amount but there is no release action on the hood.
Is there a way to get to the release levers under the hood while it is closed, or some other trick to open the hood.

[George C.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Ted, Here's the trick. Check out the video. It's easier to show than tell you. Good luck. Let us know how you make out. You'll be okay.

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

[Ted K.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Thanks, I will work on it tomorrow, although I believe it will be more difficult than it seems in the video.

[Ted K.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Spent about 2 hours so far, pushed out the plug and tried to release thru the hole. I even used a snake light camera to try and see what I was doing. So far no luck.
Ted

[Joe L.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

There is no reaction when pulling on the Hood Release handle. It pulls back about the proper amount but there is no release action on the hood.
Is there a way to get to the release levers under the hood while it is closed, or some other trick to open the hood.

Ted-----

After you finally get it open I think you will find that the retainer on the cable has come loose or broken off. 1982 Corvettes used a release cable that is stranded wire. This is very strong and does not work harden and break like the earlier monofilament cables.

[George C.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Ted, Get a friend, or two friends over and work the hood release, and at the same time lightly push down on the hood (do the left and right side) to take some pressure off the latch. Like Joe says the cable probably isn't broken. Try that and see what happens. Good Luck.

[George C.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Found this picture, hope this gives you a better view.

[Ted K.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Great pictures, will try again today.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

There is no reaction when pulling on the Hood Release handle. It pulls back about the proper amount but there is no release action on the hood.
Is there a way to get to the release levers under the hood while it is closed, or some other trick to open the hood.

This should be a reminder to all of us to check the cable retainers on ALL of our Corvettes. Scews loosen & wires streighten out so a check once in a while could save a lot of trouble. It onlt take a few seconds to check when the hood is open.
KEN

[Joe L.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

This should be a reminder to all of us to check the cable retainers on ALL of our Corvettes. Scews loosen & wires streighten out so a check once in a while could save a lot of trouble. It onlt take a few seconds to check when the hood is open.
KEN

Ken------


I recommend installing TWO brass barrel retainers. I also recommend using the stranded type of release cable. These were used for 1980-82. One can purchase the 80-82 assembly, remove the handle and cable, and insert into the existing bracket and sheath assembly. Doing this is very easy. The stranded cable operates much more smoothly and, most important, will not work harden and break. Is it correct for most C3's? No, it's not. In this case, though, correctness be damned.

[Pat M.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

In this case, though, correctness be damned.

Go get 'em Joe!

[Ted K.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Final results. Tried to open the hood from the top but was unsuccessful and finally gave up on the top side. Put the car on a lift and within a few minutes was able to reach up with my hand and and release the hood latch. Here's the crazy thing, there was nothing wrong with the cables. What had happened was several years ago the latches were lubricated with white lithium grease, over time the lithium grease got hard and would not allow the catch on the release mechanism to release. After the hood was up and the latches cleaned of old lithium white lubricant every thing worked fine with no adjustments.
Interesting I just bought a power window kit for an old Chevy and in the instructions it refers to lubrication and specifically states not to use lithium grease on the window mechanism.
Short story. It's easier to release hood from under car and do not use white lithium lubricant on latches.

Thanks,Ted
Moral of the s

[Mike E.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Been following your saga from afar. Had a friend with a 72 who closed the hood hard on misaligned pins. In order to take enough tension off to accomplish anything, we ended up having to reach through the holes in the front "chin" area and unbolt the hood hinges to get movement enough with the hood. That was no fun either. Glad you got it open!

[George C.]

Re: Hood on 82 collector car won't open. HELP

Great Ted ! Patience paid off. Save the Wave.>George