Locking hood latch
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Posting Legend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Grapevine, TX
Locking hood latch
Has anyone here installed a locking hood latch on their 67 - 72? I know that there was an optional locking latch offered on the late 70's models, but not sure if that can be retrofitted to these trucks.
I have been keeping my 1970 Highboy parked at a locked, key-code access security facility. Haven't had any problems until last night. Another guy there warned me a couple weeks ago that batteries were being stolen. I didn't think much about it since my truck's battery wasn't that great. In preparation for winter, I replaced the battery last night at 5:00pm. Went to get the truck out this morning at 7:30am and the battery was gone. It's almost like somebody was waiting for me to replace it or something. Really ticks me off and I thought I'd try and come up with some kind of lock. Guess I could just get a cable lock of some sort and put it on.
In the meantime, it's back to the cheapo-not-so-great battery for the time being.
I have been keeping my 1970 Highboy parked at a locked, key-code access security facility. Haven't had any problems until last night. Another guy there warned me a couple weeks ago that batteries were being stolen. I didn't think much about it since my truck's battery wasn't that great. In preparation for winter, I replaced the battery last night at 5:00pm. Went to get the truck out this morning at 7:30am and the battery was gone. It's almost like somebody was waiting for me to replace it or something. Really ticks me off and I thought I'd try and come up with some kind of lock. Guess I could just get a cable lock of some sort and put it on.
In the meantime, it's back to the cheapo-not-so-great battery for the time being.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
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From: Ohio
The hard part about it is the fact the latch release is on the hood, not core support. No remote cable type would work.
I suppose you could drape a chain/lock behind grille. Loop it thru the hood brace openings and down under grille somewhere. Cheap/easiest way I suppose.
Bummer about the battery. Bet someone saw you do it and waited for you to leave. Just burns my hide!
I suppose you could drape a chain/lock behind grille. Loop it thru the hood brace openings and down under grille somewhere. Cheap/easiest way I suppose.
Bummer about the battery. Bet someone saw you do it and waited for you to leave. Just burns my hide!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
I debated taking the hood lock off a 1979 Bronco(inside hood latch release, with key lock on the release handle) It theoretically would have fit, but would have required some modifications up front in regards to the secondary latch that holds it down until you're out front and push it aside. Other than that, there really should be no difficulty mounting it. Just depends on how creative you are.
On a side note, does this facility have security cameras? I'd report it and check into that option. Although it's likely an inside job.
On a side note, does this facility have security cameras? I'd report it and check into that option. Although it's likely an inside job.
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Posting Legend
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From: Grapevine, TX
Thanks for the advice. I probably will end up using a cable or chain, at least while it's parked.
The place has security cameras, but it looks like they are just at the front gate. I called the manager this morning and he hasn't returned my call yet. If he doesn't get back to me, I'll just park the truck right by the well-lit front gate!
Anyway, I put another $19.95 special in it, should get me through the winter and hopefully by spring I'll be a home owner again. This time, I pulled into the parking spot and have the bumper up tight against the fence. At least it will make it a little harder to get to until I find a solution. I almost bought an Optima for it too, whew, glad I didn't!
The place has security cameras, but it looks like they are just at the front gate. I called the manager this morning and he hasn't returned my call yet. If he doesn't get back to me, I'll just park the truck right by the well-lit front gate!
Anyway, I put another $19.95 special in it, should get me through the winter and hopefully by spring I'll be a home owner again. This time, I pulled into the parking spot and have the bumper up tight against the fence. At least it will make it a little harder to get to until I find a solution. I almost bought an Optima for it too, whew, glad I didn't!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Originally Posted by michaelbrainardatwor
a 12 GAUGE Remington would help 
Not a legal option in all states...and definitely not an option in Canada unless you feel like spending time in jail....not really the best advice. Although...a nice thought to be sure. Just be sure NOT to hit the truck!
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: manson
Well...if you are inside the truck.... I can just imagine the puke opening up the hood....starting to wrench on your brand new battery....or trying to pull the carb off....and the sensation of cold steel against his forehead.... And the guy holding the guy saying "squeal like a pig!"....Ok I have gone too far.
I can just imagine the puke opening up the hood....starting to wrench on your brand new battery....or trying to pull the carb off....and the sensation of cold steel against his forehead.... And the guy holding the guy saying "squeal like a pig!"....Ok I have gone too far.
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Elder User
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Originally Posted by michaelbrainardatwor
Well...if you are inside the truck.... I can just imagine the puke opening up the hood....starting to wrench on your brand new battery....or trying to pull the carb off....and the sensation of cold steel against his forehead.... And the guy holding the guy saying "squeal like a pig!"....Ok I have gone too far.
I can just imagine the puke opening up the hood....starting to wrench on your brand new battery....or trying to pull the carb off....and the sensation of cold steel against his forehead.... And the guy holding the guy saying "squeal like a pig!"....Ok I have gone too far.LOL!!!!!!!!
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From: nevada
I have a chain that is bolted to area above latch that drops thru behind grill. There is a slot on the frame of my '72 that I stick 1 link thru and then snap a padlock on it. Wont keep everyone out, but at least the guys without a bolt cutter. I've had my truck stolen and stripped, and trust me, its not a good feeling to walk outside to get the paper, and your truck isnt there. ( did get it back and now its better than it was). I also have a few other security devices on it. Takes a few seconds to do it, but I sleep better at nite.
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Posting Legend
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From: Grapevine, TX
In a sad-but-true story here in Omaha a couple months ago, a guy was sleeping in his truck with a gun to protect his stereo. Don't know if he had a tip somebody was going to break-in or what, but they did break in and he ended up dead. Don't think my life is worth a $50 battery, but it sure would be fun to scare the crap out of someone trying to steal it.
I think I will add a couple more security devices since I plan on driving the truck more this winter.
I think I will add a couple more security devices since I plan on driving the truck more this winter.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: in the springs
i know one security item i will be gettin soon is grant makes a quick release steering wheel adapter that just leaves a locked cap in place of the wheel. i know that doesnt stop them from stealing things off of the truck but no steering wheel = no driving. there are a lot of other simple things you can do a freind of mine used to put a toggle switch in the power wire for his coil, when ever youu shut the car off you turned the switch off. of course you could use the old battery cut off switch too. just a few thoughts.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
If the theft of parts is a rampant issue with this particular "secured parking area" I'd notify the police....they'll be interested, and will likely stake it out for a bit. Much as I too, like the idea of scaring someone cold in their tracks with the feel of a gun barrel against the back of their head...it's not worth the hassel. Let the proper authorities deal with it. Last battery I bought cost me almost as much as my insurance deductable.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
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From: california
"a 12 GAUGE Remington would help "
Wouldn't that just be considered a "hunting accident" in Canada?
I use a chain and padlock. I "threaded" the chain through the channeling underneath the hood. Drape both ends through the opening of the latch and around the center support bracket and lock it. This way the padlock doesn't swing and dent up the radiator. Every little anti-theft device helps. If someone really wants something out or your truck, they'll tow it.
Wouldn't that just be considered a "hunting accident" in Canada?
I use a chain and padlock. I "threaded" the chain through the channeling underneath the hood. Drape both ends through the opening of the latch and around the center support bracket and lock it. This way the padlock doesn't swing and dent up the radiator. Every little anti-theft device helps. If someone really wants something out or your truck, they'll tow it.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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I do the same sort of thing as Faithful Old Road Dog. The only difference is that my set up is a plastic coated cable and a lock that allows the cable to slip through a hole. It locks on the cable exactly where you want it to. That way, you can adjust it to be as loose or tight as you want. It's actually a Motorcyle Lock set up.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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hi there, I put a lot of money under the hood of my 69, someone sliced my trans line
joke maybe revenge don't know,but it motivated me to find some way to lock my hood.
so I fabricated my own hood lock.
useing cable and housing, it pulls a rod that blocks the handle from unlatching the hood.
the cable **** and mount braket are attached to the underside of dash.
hope this helps, hard to relay Idea without seeing it work.
joke maybe revenge don't know,but it motivated me to find some way to lock my hood.
so I fabricated my own hood lock.
useing cable and housing, it pulls a rod that blocks the handle from unlatching the hood.
the cable **** and mount braket are attached to the underside of dash.
hope this helps, hard to relay Idea without seeing it work.