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