Hood Release Cable

[Bwmurph]

Hi All,
I've put a new front clip on the '59 and it has been quite the experience as in not fun. Nothing fit, everything had to be modified in some way or another, etc...
I'm finally getting close to then (started in mid-April) and have run into a problem that I can't find the answer top in any of the books I have.

My old hood release cab;le was pretty shot so I ordered a new one. Installed the way I thought it was supposed to go and when I tried to work the handle to make sure everything was working properly it was VERY stiff. I un-installed it and put both oil and silicone down the cables as best I could. Re-installed it and tried again, Still very stiff and about the 4th time I pulled it the handle came off in my hand. Sent it back and they sent me a new one. I put lots of oil down the cables and hung it up overnight to let the oil sink all the way in. Went back to the shop this morning, work the handle back and forth 10-15 times (it still seems stiffer than I think it should be, but it operated okay) and re-installed (again) and it refuses to work ! Very frustrating to say the least.

Now I'm wondering if I'm routing this cable wrong and causing too many bends in it to work properly. Can anyone tell me EXACTLY how the hood cables are routed to their respective hood release points ? It seems they give you the bare minimum of cable to reach the release mechanisms.

Thx,
Bernie O

 

[Tom Bryant]

I'll go take a look. Mine has never been apart. Pictures were all right side up until I saved. Pic 3, 4 and 6 need to be 90* clockwise. 5 and 7 need to be 90* counterclockwise. Photo 6 is blurry but there is a firewall clip holding the cable right behind the road draft tube.

Tom

 

[Bwmurph]

Hello Tom,
Thanks so much for the pics ! If I’m looking at them right it looks like the driver side cable exits the firewall just under the fuse box and the passenger side cable exits the firewall just to the right of the gas pedal lever. Is your hood release cable original or after market ? Also, do you know if that is the “correct” routing for the cables ? Are the oval rubber grommets in place ?
My cable is a new after market from a vendor who is well respected (as far as I can tell) in the industry, but cable appears to me to be a little bit short. Maybe if I route it the way yours are I’ll have better luck. I sure hope so; been without this car since April !
I’m out of country right now, returning Nov 6 and will get right on it when I’m back and will let you know how I make out.
Thanks AGAIN for your help !!
Bernie O

 

[Tom Bryant]

I have owned my 59 since 1969, long before reproduction parts were a thing. Everything is all original parts as installed by GM in St. Louis. None of these cables have ever been out of the car. I don't see any oval grommets. The cables look to have been sealed with a wad of strip caulk. Maybe they ran out of grommets on the line. My 1960 parts and accessories manual shows a gromet for 58-60. My car is early 59 (881) with the friction hood latches like 58 and earlier. The cable goes into the latch vertically from below and pulls down on the flat lever to release the hood. I don't know why these pictures all turn sideways when I post them. The AIM I have is later and shows the latch releasing with a horizonal pull and has the hood striker with the cone shaped point instead of the smooth spike of earlier. It also appears that the hood cables run through clips up in the top inside of the cowl. The change in latches was mid-year (AIM date 4-1-59) around serial number J59S106100. There is some disagreement as to exactly when the changeover occurred, and you may find both types of latch were used over a rather broad range of builds. Does yours have the later latches? Oddly , the 1960 book only shows one part number. Maybe the factory replacement part was long enough for both types of latches.

Tom

 

[Bwmurph]

Tom,
Wow, youve had yours longer than I’ve had mine (1976). But there was very little about mine that was original. Engine, trans, paint, interior, windshield, etc …. all not original. And it had been hit at least one in the front end.
My car is later production (7599), but has the friction latches like yours. Replaced during accident repair ? Who knows ? The passenger side latch hasn’t worked in many years so I just removed the male striker from the hood. Now that I’ve spent all this time and money on this new front clip (there’s a story about that part for another time), I want everything to at least look good and work as it’s supposed to work.
I’ve tried running the passenger cable inside under the cowl several different ways, none of which worked. When I get home I’m going to run them as yours are and, hopefully, get this car home and back on the road.
Thanks for all your help and if I ever run into you I’m going to shake your hand and buy you the beverage of your choice !
Bernie O