There is a coiled wire that acts like a spring on a 51 safty hood latch. Were can i get a new one for my truck ? Even a strong used one.

 

I have one somewhere that I took off a hood. It's around here somewhere. However, don't know how "strong" it is.

You may want to search online for a spring vendor and approach them with what you need. Maybe you can find someone that manufactures springs to specifications.

 

This has come up before, and I don't think anyone makes new ones. P/N 1C-16862-B, spring, front hood auxiliary catch. Don't see it at any of the usual suspects... look for used. Or if there is a True Value hardware near you, they usually have boxes of "universal" springs, even hairpin-springs like this.

 

I'm not confident that the stock hood latch will be reliable; I remember from early life experiences where hood flew up going down the road. I've been contemplating replacing the latch with newer technology; besides bungy cord wrapped through the hood openings .

I guess my concerns are moot until I actually drive the truck.

 

I have the old one so maybe i can build one. I was reading and it said a music string would hold its tension .

 

There was a thread a while back where someone adopted a more modern hood latch upper and lower sections. I thought I had it but I don't. It was worth keeping. Does anyone remember the article and/or where to find/copy it? chuck

 

Fred, the Grainger catolog has 118 products under Torsion springs. I have to replace mine as well but I'm at work and can't remember the deflection angle or OD. But I am sure they have one that will work. Looks like they come in packs of 6. priced from about 4 bucks to 9. I bet an ACE hardware would have something that will work also.

 

Didn't see one like the one we both need in the grainger site. I'll try my hand at making one 2mor. If it looks like it should work i'll make 2. Then when i install mine and IF it works i'll mail you the other. Merry x -mas

 

Thanks Fred that mighty nice of ya! And Merry Christmas to and yours!

 

OK Lakotas here is what i had and what i came up with. Let u know if it works .

 

Something like this would seem to be adaptable

 

I was just looking at one like that. Think that might work and look lots better. Has anyone just went without the safty latch.

 

I would NOT do that! Unless you put an anti-theft chain on it... As much as the front end wobbles around, the primary latch can easily pop out of its socket.

 

take a look at this one 1958 Ford Ranchero hood safety latch with spring - eBay (item 150526156810 end time Dec-28-10 08:44:43 PST)

 

Yep that is the torsion spring I was looking at in the Grainger catolog. Mine is different from yours Fred. It looks like the pic that ALBUQ posted only with shorter legs.