My hood latch is stuck on my 77 F250. I pulled the left side grill in an attempt to open it. When I reached up in there, a small spring fell out in pieces. I can't tell if I have any options. Anyone know how I can get this hood open without a gas hatchet?

 

my hood always gets stuck, seems like everytime I want to open it. I usually pull the release lever and then bang on the hood (right by the FORD letters) until it pops up and I can get my fingers in there to pull the hood open.

I don't know if this will work for you since a spring fell out but it is worth a try.......good luck

 

If it the spring looked to be about 4" long and 1-2" dia 1/8" thick wire than your going to have lift while pulling the release. If it was about 1-2" long and 1/2" in dia made of 1/16 wire than you'll need a regular screw driver and must trip the latch from within itself. This is easier done than explainable.

 

yea like was said earlier if its the bigger spring that fell out.That's the one that keeps upward pressure on the hood so that theres tension when the latch is pulled.If u can get 2 other people on the corners for equal lifting pressure.While u put the screw driver in and push the catching hook to the side with one hand and keep the latch in the pulled position with ur other hand.That should get it.Just be patient.

 

It was the smaller spring that fell out. I tried the banging already because I need to do that on my 79. I just don't see where I can trip the mechanism on the thing. The latch on my 79 seems different than the 77 so I can't compare them and figure out a solution.

 

Typical problem...try this:

Press down on the hood once you've tripped the latch (hold it in the open position while pressing down). When the latch releases, you should hear a loud pop.

The hood latch is still available from Ford but you do not want to know the price! (over $240.00 believe it or not!)

The same hood latch that fits 1973/79 F100/350's also fits 1975/91 Econolines (D5UZ16700A).
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Dr. Dirt: While the cable for the locking hood latch is not available from Ford, the hood latch is.

It's also the same as 1975/91 Econolines used.

It's 1/3rd the price of the non locking hood latch. Go figure.

E7UZ16700A .. Locking Hood Latch MSRP: $97.73 / ftepartsguy.com price: $70.37

The cable for 1973/79 F100/350's locking hood latch is the same exact one the 1976/80 Granada/Monarch Lincoln Versailles used.

 

The latch won't trip at all. I started to bend the lever.

 

ur gonna need some help.someone push dwn on the hood above the latch.u take a screw driver.pull on the latch with ur left hand while peeling back the hook/catch with a screwdrvr with ur right.then after u move the catch have the person lift up while u have the catch peeled back and the latch still pulled