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Hood Latch ???
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
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Hood Latch ???
Has anyone installed an emergency back-up hood-latch cable that will un-latch the hood in the event the factory-supplied one should fail/break ??
If so, I would like to see detailed pictures and descriptions of what was done.
Is there a TECH article about this floating around in any of the forums or anywhere ??
Mine isn't giving any problem; but, I have recently witnessed two vehicles of various make to have the cable break, causing untold trouble getting the hood open.
Thanks.
If so, I would like to see detailed pictures and descriptions of what was done.
Is there a TECH article about this floating around in any of the forums or anywhere ??
Mine isn't giving any problem; but, I have recently witnessed two vehicles of various make to have the cable break, causing untold trouble getting the hood open.
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
On my trucks, I just take the cover off of where the cable connects to the latch(one bolt.) You can then reach the lever through the grille just like it was a 70's truck, and the in cab cable still works(except for my 6.9 truck, it broke... LOL.)
That said, I can open the hood on pretty much any 80-96 truck from the front with a flat screwdriver without taking anything apart.
That said, I can open the hood on pretty much any 80-96 truck from the front with a flat screwdriver without taking anything apart.
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More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2007
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Thanks for your replies
Any chance for some pictures showing what you did ??
Thanks.
On my trucks, I just take the cover off of where the cable connects to the latch(one bolt.) You can then reach the lever through the grille just like it was a 70's truck, and the in cab cable still works(except for my 6.9 truck, it broke... LOL.)
That said, I can open the hood on pretty much any 80-96 truck from the front with a flat screwdriver without taking anything apart.
That said, I can open the hood on pretty much any 80-96 truck from the front with a flat screwdriver without taking anything apart.
Meaning the cover you mentioned removing can still be on the latch ??
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Yes, you need a thin screwdriver, and just have to slide the screwdriver in between the cover and the backer plate. 80-86 trucks are the hardest to do this on, later models are cake... I've dealt with more than a few broken hood cables, never on my own truck though... LOL
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Yeah, a backup cable isn't really required because as previously stated, it can be opened with a screwdriver.
Just dont spread that info around to too many people.
The tailgate can be opened using a screwdriver as well.
Just dont spread that info around to too many people.
The tailgate can be opened using a screwdriver as well.
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I haven't looked it over with this thought in mind, as it just popped in my head while reading these replies; but, is whatever needs tripping with the screwdriver made such that maybe an extension could be welded to it, maybe grinding a clearance, or somesuch, in the housing if necessary, thus a broader variety of implements could possibly be used, in the event that a broken cable should occur ??
Thanks.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
I suppose it's possible to weld a extention on the latch where the cable attaches.
I would think it's also possible to weld and fabricate a handle to completely do away with the cable as well.
But then again the latch bolts that attach it to the radiator support are easily accessable with the grille removed. And the grille is easily removable in less than 10 minutes with a philips.
It's just not a comon enough problem, and the work arounds to open the hood incase of cable failure is relatively easy. To easy if you think about why it was designed like it is in the first place.
I wouldn't worry about that cable at all. IMO.
I would think it's also possible to weld and fabricate a handle to completely do away with the cable as well.
But then again the latch bolts that attach it to the radiator support are easily accessable with the grille removed. And the grille is easily removable in less than 10 minutes with a philips.
It's just not a comon enough problem, and the work arounds to open the hood incase of cable failure is relatively easy. To easy if you think about why it was designed like it is in the first place.
I wouldn't worry about that cable at all. IMO.
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Due to what I have learned from this thread, I will put worries of a broken cable back in the back drawer of my mind.
What I will do, though, is to make a few "practice runs" out here in the drive-way, in the day-light, just in case I should ever be faced with a broken cable some dark rainy night.
What got it on my mind, in the first place, was three different Dodge trucks getting a broken cable that required minor damage to the hoods and grilles of all three to get the hoods up; also, numerous other vehicle owners, over the years, in various types of cars/trucks, relating horror stories of un-openable hoods.
Thanks for all input.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
I don't know how you'd get the hood open without seriously damaging things on my 92 W250, there just isn't a way to get at the latch with the hood closed at all. I've already dealt with a broken cable on it(thankfully at the handle end so I was able to cut the covering and vise grip it open)
When I bring my camera home tomorrow, I'll grab a pic of what mine looks like without the cover installed. There's no need to extend anything, you can reach it easily through the grille.
When I bring my camera home tomorrow, I'll grab a pic of what mine looks like without the cover installed. There's no need to extend anything, you can reach it easily through the grille.
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