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lcorvet
Guest
HEY GUYS,AND GALS, I READ BEFORE ON AN OLD THREAD ABOUT OPENING A STUCK C4 HOOD WITHOUT THE SPECIAL TOOL SOLD BY MID AMERICA, CAN ANYBODY HELP? THANKS!
Ken
Gone but not forgotten
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88canadianvette
Guest
mid america sells a tool to open stuck hoods. on page 4/85. it sells for 19.99 stock # is 609-637 good luck
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twister9305
Guest
Funny this subject just came up today. My hood cable broke this evening.
JonM
Well-known member
Or you can make a tool
I have heard the horror stories about the hood release cables breaking or stretching and then not being able to open the hood. I had been meaning to buy a hood release tool, but got in a creative mood and made my own. I had a 5/16" steel rod and used this. I welded the tab and the handle to the rod. The overall length of the rod is 19",and the handle, B, is 3 ½" high. The tab, A, that drops into the slot in the hood latch, is 1 1/8" long and is 5/16" wide. I filed a notch in the rod and marked it with black permanent marker, C, at the point it lines up with the black metal molding at the lower corner of my windshield. This point is approximately 13 ¼" from the metal tab end of the rod. It is important to practice using this tool and get use to the feel of opening the latch before the need actually arises.
I have heard the horror stories about the hood release cables breaking or stretching and then not being able to open the hood. I had been meaning to buy a hood release tool, but got in a creative mood and made my own. I had a 5/16" steel rod and used this. I welded the tab and the handle to the rod. The overall length of the rod is 19",and the handle, B, is 3 ½" high. The tab, A, that drops into the slot in the hood latch, is 1 1/8" long and is 5/16" wide. I filed a notch in the rod and marked it with black permanent marker, C, at the point it lines up with the black metal molding at the lower corner of my windshield. This point is approximately 13 ¼" from the metal tab end of the rod. It is important to practice using this tool and get use to the feel of opening the latch before the need actually arises.
JonM
Well-known member
ooops forgot the pic
Ken
Gone but not forgotten
Very cool Jon, thanks for posting this. All it takes is a little creativity, eh? 
_ken
_ken
JonM
Well-known member
Ken said:Very cool Jon, thanks for posting this. All it takes is a little creativity, eh?
_ken ;w
Is that what they call it out there in CA? Here in New England we call it being frugal, aka...Cheap :eyerole
vigman
Motor head!!!!
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2001
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- 3,471
- Location
- Valencia, CA,USA
- Corvette
- 88 Convert ( SOLD ) /1973 coupe 4 speed/1964 Vert!
No Jon
In CA we would call that "Artist's rendering"
( making it a vaulable original ) where we would have a gala cocktail party..invite the media..etc etc!
Vig!
In CA we would call that "Artist's rendering"
( making it a vaulable original ) where we would have a gala cocktail party..invite the media..etc etc!
Vig!
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twister9305
Guest
Just fixed my hood latches today. wouldnt open with a tool. Bottom of latch broke. Had to take inner fender out and take latch loose. Where theres a will theres a way.
tntcorvette
Well-known member
you do not need a special tool to get the hood open. All you need is a flat head screwdriver.
Pull the inner wheel well and you can stick you hand near the hood release switch and just pop it inward with a flat head screwdriver.
My hood got stuck too and this is what I did.
Pull the inner wheel well and you can stick you hand near the hood release switch and just pop it inward with a flat head screwdriver.
My hood got stuck too and this is what I did.
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first
Guest
I have had trouble a couple of times opening the hood should I start looking to adjust the cable before I have more trouble bought the manual from helm and it appears they are adjustable. I just bought my first vette about 2 months ago after looking for twice that.So I have some questions what a great site.
BigRed
Well-known member
K thats like the fifth time Ive heard problem with hood release in the last 3 days!! Whats going on! Lol I know my switch isn't in the best shape I sure hope Im not next in line Lol
BTW my switch is fine but does someone have a picture on how that things supposed to be mounted? It was fine when I bought the car but after the LINE of mechanics Ive had it at all of the sudden my switch is held to the steel with a heavy duty wire tie!
BTW my switch is fine but does someone have a picture on how that things supposed to be mounted? It was fine when I bought the car but after the LINE of mechanics Ive had it at all of the sudden my switch is held to the steel with a heavy duty wire tie!
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twister9305
Guest
I saw a hood unlocking tool on ebay tonight. it was buy now 21. something.
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donhall
Guest
Here is a tip I have found useful to open a hood: Purchase a spool of braided nylon twine. Cut two - 2' lengths of twine. Burn the cut ends with a match to prevent unraveling. Fasten one end of the twine to the latch mechanism, and then coil the twine nearby, under the hood, out of sight, where it can be reached with your fingers, if needed. Braided nylon is recommended for its' strength and ability to be coiled in a small area. There is a "nook" near the point of the hood that is accessable, and out of sight. If your twine is white, you can dye it to match your engine compartment. If needed, the twine can easily be pulled in-board toward the engine, and your latch will open. You will never be locked out of your engine compartment again.
If you're going to buy the tool, don't get one off eBay. For the same $20, you can buy it from the inventor... <http://www.gordonkillebrew.com/pages/800740/index.htm>.
I got one at Carlisle from his booth. That guy has forgotten more about C4's than any of us (maybe Ken and Vigman excepted) will ever even know!
[RICHR]
I got one at Carlisle from his booth. That guy has forgotten more about C4's than any of us (maybe Ken and Vigman excepted) will ever even know!
[RICHR]
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