Help! '67 RH Hood Latch

[bobcarroll]

My left and right hand hood latches appear to grip correctly when the hood is closed......they unlatch properly too when the hood handle is pulled. However, when the hood is closed the RH latch releases (or looses its grasp) after driving the car and hitting a bump or two. The LH latch remains closed. Age and appearance indicate that the male and female latches are original to the car. Note that I never let the hood "slam" but close it slowly and push down on each side of the hood to latch it. Many thanks, as usual, for any help from the membership! Bob Carroll

 

[JohnZ]

My left and right hand hood latches appear to grip correctly when the hood is closed......they unlatch properly too when the hood handle is pulled. However, when the hood is closed the RH latch releases (or looses its grasp) after driving the car and hitting a bump or two. The LH latch remains closed. Age and appearance indicate that the male and female latches are original to the car. Note that I never let the hood "slam" but close it slowly and push down on each side of the hood to latch it. Many thanks, as usual, for any help from the membership! Bob Carroll

Make sure the latch is lubricated, the sliding lock plate moves freely, and the spring is in place. If the latch releases, the lock plate isn't fully engaged under the head of the striker bolt on the hood; loosen the lock nut on the hood striker and turn the striker bolt counter-clockwise slightly (like 1/4-turn) and tighten the lock nut and see if that takes care of it.

The rubber bumper only sets the height (flushness) of the hood to the surround and vent grille; the latch action is adjusted by the striker bolt on the hood.

 

[bobcarroll]

Make sure the latch is lubricated, the sliding lock plate moves freely, and the spring is in place. If the latch releases, the lock plate isn't fully engaged under the head of the striker bolt on the hood; loosen the lock nut on the hood striker and turn the striker bolt counter-clockwise slightly (like 1/4-turn) and tighten the lock nut and see if that takes care of it.

The rubber bumper only sets the height (flushness) of the hood to the surround and vent grille; the latch action is adjusted by the striker bolt on the hood.

Thanks


Many thanks JohnZ....I missed the screw driver slot on the bolt but loosened the lock nut (it was actually a bit loose as is) and turned the bolt as you suggested......will give it a test next week and will continue to adjust if needed.

 

[bobcarroll]

Thanks


Many thanks JohnZ....I missed the screw driver slot on the bolt but loosened the lock nut (it was actually a bit loose as is) and turned the bolt as you suggested......will give it a test next week and will continue to adjust if needed.

Adjusted the striker as you suggested and lubed it too......long test drive and it holds! Thanks again John!