So I have been reading several posts on here about hood latches. It seems the hood popping up is a common problem. Is there any NOS hood latches available out there. My thoughts are that the spring is worn out. I would rather not install hood pins if I can avoid it.

 

In the 32 years I have owned my 66 F100 so far I haven't had a single problem with the hood mechanism. I keep the latch and the safety catch lubed and clean from road dirt and dust and so far no problems.

 

I have had no issues either, & my front end was damaged in my wreck. What kind of issues are you having?

 

I learned here to drill a hole through the end of the secondary latch big enough to put the hasp of a Master lock through it, a big enough lock to not fit through the opening where the secondary catches. I leave mine unlocked usually but can snap it shut if I park in a shady part of town. 2 birds 1 stone.

 

New safety latch springs are available from DC.

 

I had a bit of an issue because the hood latch was too far down and it wouldn’t always latch completely. I adjusted the latch so there is just a bit of play up and down when the hood is down and latched. Just enough to make sure it completely latches.

 

I've seen someone put a trailer hitch safety pin through end of the secondary catch. Same as Thunderkiss1965 did with the pad lock. I've had my hood pop open a couple of times. The second latch stopped it from opening all the way, no damage but a little un-nerving. It was my fault, since I replaced the hood bumpers I have to remember to close it a bit hard.

Pat

 

I had the same issue a while ago. Was popping up a lot. After numerous adjustments I started watching the hood and noticed that it was moving side to side. It would do that and then pop up. Because of the way the latch works you can stick a screwdriver in it and quite easily pop it open.

I ended up putting some rubber bumpers on the edge of the hood to keep it from moving sideways and it completely stopped the problem.

The bumpers are actually for an early 70s Ford truck for the same purpose. I don’t remember where I got them from. It was one of the repro parts places. They go on with one screw. I put some clear silicone on the screws to try to keep rust from starting. I had to shave a bit off one of them so the hood will close.

 

Should already have round bumpers on the top of the front edge of the fenders.

 

They are frequently missing, flattened out, or severely deteriorated, but can be replaced. Heat, age, previous owners all take a toll

 

I just replaced the rubber bumpers on the top corners of my fenders. CJ Pony Parts has them in stock

 

LMC has them as well.

 

It was side to side movement. The bumpers on the top of the core support or whatever don't have anything to do with the hood shaking side to side. Adding them to the side edge of the hood towards the front did.
I'll try to remember to take a pic when I get home.

 

If your hood is shaking side to side, bumpers or no bumpers your hood latch is worn out. If that latch is in good condition there isn't 1/16 inch of play in it when it is closed. I posted this pic in another thread a couple of days ago. The locking mechanism for the latch, "where the arrow is pointing" cannot have any wear on it. The spring must be in good condition. If it is worn the latch can cam it down and your hood will come open. If you close the hood and look at the latch thru the upper grille it should look like this one. If it doesn't you need to readjust the hood or get a new hood latch.

 

16758 is the base part number of the rubber bumpers. Top edge of fender.