Can anyone help with a question about removing the hood latch portion on the front grill on a 1950 F1? That is the part with the cup and spring that depresses when the hood is closed and latched. It appears to have a nut at the bottom that holds it in place and a slotted top that should unscrew. I've removed the nut underneath but cannot get the post to budge.

I have tried to unscrew the post, soaked it with penetrating oil, and still no luck. Is it 60 years of rust or am I missing something?

 

It's probably just 60 years of rust. You may also need to be more persuasive than using just a screwdriver. It may take heat and vice-grips on the shaft of the striker bolt to break it loose.

 

Also sometimes screwing it in a little first (after a good soaking) helps. John

 

Yup- it was rust!

 

So...did you break it? Or did it come apart ok?

 

A little oil, a little heat, a little back and forth, and a lot of persuasion. It came out but I do have a "Made in the USA" "unbreakable" screw driver handle that was no match for the persuasion! All cleaned and reinstalled and the hood even stays down.

PO painted everything under the hood with a spray can and taking things apart one bolt at a time, removing the paint with a wire wheel on the bench grinder and reinstalling is taking its toll. I did find the original stampings for ARM FLD and BAT on the voltage regulator housing once it was cleaned up. So far, cleaned all of the wiring clips. copper lines, regulator, solenoid, horn hardware, hood hinge bolts, etc. etc. Once I get the firewall and surrounding area done, next up is the engine.