Cannot open hood
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Cannot open hood
Hey everyone. I just purchased a 78 F250 and am having trouble opening the hood. I know, I know. The latch seems to be working, as I can see the assembly moving. The guy I bought it from opened it while I was looking in the cab and I can't get ahold of him to ask him what his secret was. Just wondering if any of you have a trick to get the hood to release. Or is there another latch I don't know about?!
Sorry for the silly question. I'm a noob.
Go easy on me, I've been a Toyota/Lexus guy for 10 years! Seen the error in my ways and have come back to the good side...
Sorry for the silly question. I'm a noob.
Go easy on me, I've been a Toyota/Lexus guy for 10 years! Seen the error in my ways and have come back to the good side...
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 3
From: NE Texas
Yep, it's a heavy hood for sure. That will work in your favor if the day comes when you are having to get it ready for paint.
If you will oil your hood hinges, it will most likely then pop up when you activate the catch.
Enjoy your truck and keep us posted.
If you will oil your hood hinges, it will most likely then pop up when you activate the catch.
Enjoy your truck and keep us posted.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
I like to use a little silicone spray, it doesn't attract dirt like grease and it keeps the squeaks down and makes the hood work like a charm.
Welcome to FTE!
Welcome to FTE!
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,073
Likes: 1
Man That's what gives these trks so much character.The little tap and I forgot about the strong ebow down.The trks with the keyed hood locks need some love to open also My bronco needs a good tug on the handle then I have to lift the hood with a few fingers at the frt corner of the hood.Then in frt with my right hand I put the hood down a hair while pushing on the hood handle with my left Then I raise it !!!
My bronco needs a good tug on the handle then I have to lift the hood with a few fingers at the frt corner of the hood.Then in frt with my right hand I put the hood down a hair while pushing on the hood handle with my left Then I raise it !!!
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 1
From: Eldorado Ca. USA
I had a hood that would not stay open. I found another set of hinges at the junkyard that held the hood open. After we had the hood re-installed, my buddy lubricated the hinges. We closed and opened the hood once, and wallah! The damn hood would not stay open. He looked at me and gave me the "grin" I was not happy. Apparently the springs don't keep their holding power. Of course this was on a '79 Cougar, and not a truck, so it wasn't the end of the world, but still.......
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 7
From: Los Banos, California
Like a lot have already posted lubricating the hood latch assy will end the need for the love tap. but something i'd like to add is if you dont lubricate the latching assy you risk having the hood come up on you, with a wind gust or say an oncoming semi truck, when there not lubed they might not close properly thus allowing this to mabey happen, I have had the o'l hood come up on me twice in my life and i tell you it is a waker upper.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 359
Likes: 1
From: Saint Paul, MN
Originally Posted by wizzard351
the "love tap"rite there in the middle i never seen a ford that didnt need it!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 0
My old 76 had a hell of a time opening. until one day I was driving down a curvy road, at night, at 45mph.. it decided to open up all by itself. That was scary
Just about every time I open the hood on my 78 I make sure it's well oiled and in good condition. No tap required, just pull the handle. There's no feature on my truck that I'm more proud of.
Just about every time I open the hood on my 78 I make sure it's well oiled and in good condition. No tap required, just pull the handle. There's no feature on my truck that I'm more proud of.
Last edited by ErrorS; Oct 7, 2007 at 02:50 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
I don't have to tap mine either, the silicone spray and a little hood alignment did the trick, I spray the hinges about every 6 months, when I change the oil, and I've maybe had to tap it just a few times.