1968 engine compartment bolt question

[John D.]

My AIM shows two nuts on studs holding the hood latch to the upper part of the fire wall on the drivers and passenger side. My early (October 67 build) has 2 bolts holding the hood latch in place on the drivers side. One bolt is not correct, not sure about the other. Are there any early 68 owners out there with bolts holding down the drivers side latch? If so what are the bolts proper size/lenght and head marking?

Thanks in advance, John

[Gene M.]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

John,
My November 67 build convertable SB has all nuts and washers securing the firewall hood latches.

[Mike Baker]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

Nuts and washers on my Oct 67 car also.

[John D.]

Thanks, looks like I need to make a correction. *NM*

[Mike Baker]

Re: Thanks, looks like I need to make a correction

It's an interesting problem.

For your fix I think I would just use a a stud in place of the bolt. It would look right and who could tell the difference.

I would be interested in knowing how they got into that area to change it. The rivits that hold that attachment plate in my car are a little loose and the fiberglass under the latch is cracked & weak. I've considered trying to get at that area from under the dash, to try and reinforce it, but have not had the courage to cut it open.

For now I just close the hood gently.

[Terry F.]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

There were problems with that area blowing out on 68. There is a technical service bullitin that describes a service part and how to do the repair that reinforces the are from cracking. Your car may have needed the repair or someone did there own repair or it has the technical repair that is show in the bullitin. Good luck, Terry

[Mike Baker]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

Terry,

Do you have a copy of that TSB or know the number?

I'd like to get my hands on that.

Regards

Mike

[Terry F.]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

Yes, I think I have it. Contact me by email and I we will arrange something. I will need to make a copy and send it to you. I need to copy some other things so for someone else also so I will get it all done together. All for now, Terry

[Jim T.]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

Terry does the TSB show a metal piece that will mount under the passenger side hood latch. Somewhere long, long time ago I read something, could of been the a TSB. From the information I ordered a metal part from GM that fits under the hood latch and firmly supports the weak area. I probably have the information somewhere, but I sure don't remember. Doubt if the part is still available anyway from GM.

[Terry F.]

Re: 1968 engine compartment bolt question

I think you are correct on that. I am not sure how it attaches, possibly rivets. Terry