I'm currently having trouble opening the hood on my 1962 Fuelie. I've tried pulling the hood release handle and the cables did not budge. Not sure what is preventing the cables from moving. Having read other discussions on how to release the hood latches, I was able to release the left latch by crawling under the car and reaching up with a screw driver to release it. However, with the hoses and the battery on the right side it is impossible to get to the right latch. Any ideas how get the right latch to release?
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Re: 1962 Corvette hood cables stuck
Not sure on a 1962, but since it is a C1, I would think it the same as my 1957 when I had similar problems. I had to jack up the right side, remove the fender shield and gain access to the area where the latch is. I used a long pry bar to deflect the latch manually so it would open. Since my battery is not tied down solidly, I was able to move it forward a bit to help. Having said all that I will tell you that I had a continuing problem over the years with this. I finally spent some time diagnosing the issue and found that the latch pins were misaligned so that the pin was deflected to enter the latch. I had put in new latch female pieces with a sharp edge so combined with the misalignment it was wedged in there too tightly. I did extensive readjusting of the latch pin mount plate, (translated, enlarge a few holes) and was able to get the pins to seat properly and still maintain hood spacing. It works great now and the hood stays down with the new latch pieces. By the way, don't put the fender shield back in until you get that alignment or the cable straightened out as you may have to release again. Good luck. Ted -
Re: 1962 Corvette hood cables stuck
Brian, I currently have the same problem with my '57 as you have and Ted had. I was "lucky"
in that the wire inside the Bowden cable was broken closer to the release handle. I crawled under the instrument panel and pulled the cable by hand. It is easier than going under the car---which I have done before. Good Luck! Steve
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Re: 1962 Corvette hood cables stuck
I was finally able to open the hood using a pair of vice grips on the handle end of the hood cable. I think releasing the left hood latch from under the car relieved some of the force to unlatch the right lock. My next venture is to find an epoxy strong enough to glue the hood release handle back on the stud.
To prevent this from happening again, I'm going to readjust the latches further back so they only slightly engage. I believe these latches were extend too far and caused the binding. This car is trailered more than it's driven so it's not really important to have a super secure hood latch.
Thanks again for all of your inputs.Comment
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Re: 1962 Corvette hood cables stuck
My solution to the worrisome issue is a small wire that is secured to the release and terminated inside the cockpit under the dash. It is very seldom used but after years of driving these wonderful old cars it has offered a satisfactory, comfortable back up. It will not pass judging but that can wait for the next owner.David DawdyComment
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Re: 1962 Corvette hood cables stuck
Glad you got it released. As I said before, get those pins aligned and it will go much easier to release. Also, on the hood latch handle, I drilled and tapped a small allan head set screw on the underside. It has always held very nicely. You might find a strong enough epoxy but I had problems before I went the set screw route. If you get a short enough length, you cannot see form the top view. Good luck TedComment
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