c1 hood latches

[Susan G.]

i cant find a reference to the paint colour and finish for the pin, latch, spring, (male) , also want to confirm female is natural steel. i'm sure this is an easy one. thanks in advance susan

[John M.]

Re: c1 hood latches

Susan,
It depends, what year?

[Susan G.]

Re: c1 hood latches

Sorry about that,,, it is for a '58. Also the judging guide regarding the paint on the hood latch is vague, not indicating if it is different for each part, ie: for the screws, it does not indicate whether they are natural or painted. Anything you can add would be much appreciated.

Thanks..Susan

[John M.]

Re: c1 hood latches

Susan,
The male and female latches on a 58 were cad or zinc plated and showed no sign of the yellow dichromate rinse like some later models. Both the male and female latches were in place when the blackout took place, so the latches were pretty much completely blacked out, but they were oil treated, so it was quite common for a good percentage of the paint to peel off. The springs on the male latch were gloss black and the retainer and pin were plated as well. The judges look for some degree of blackout, so you can't go wrong with blacking them complete out with the exception of the pin and spring. The hood hinges are pretty much the same. Keep in mind, that the hood release cable was installed later, so it should not show any traces of blackout. On 58 cars, there is really no shielded areas the did not get blackout like 60 and later cars. On these cars, judges like to see bare fiberglass under the latches where the paint could not get.

Regards, John McGraw

[Susan G.]

Re: c1 hood latches

John, thanks for the help on the latches, I wonder if I could ask about the black out paint? It is described in the judging book as between flat and semi gloss. Is there a paint code for it? Is there a make, and where could you buy it? I am in Canada so USA suppliers dont tend to ship paint our way. Does any one know of a Canadian supplier? Thanks again for your help...Susan

[Gary Bishop]

Re: c1 hood latches

In Canada some found that John Deere Black was very good.