C-1 (57) Hood Latches - How to keep the hood down

[David B.]

Roy, Mike M, other C-1 Gurus?

When driving the car, the hood latches sometimes allow the hood pins to slide up and the hood raises up some in the back. I have cleaned the latch receivers and the hood pins . The design seems to be a smooth pin that is retained by a sharp angled, spring loaded, receiver plate. I think I read something on this board previously about serrated pins on some years - not sure? Is there a solution to this problem? Stronger springs? Sharpening the latch edge? Others must have faced this problem before.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Chuck R.]

Re: I'm no C-1 expert but

If it's anything like my 68, you should be able to adjust the hood pin so that when it latches, it sucks the hood down in place where the latches can't let it float up.

Chuck

[Dave Suesz]

If the hole

in the plate in the latch, where the hood pin enters is worn, it's done. My RH latch was worn out in this way by about 1965, prompting my Dad to remove the spring just to keep it down. I solved the problem a couple years ago by buying a new latch from MaryJo a couple years ago, and the problem went away..

[Roy B.]

Re: I'm no C-1 expert but

Well first if your using repro's that's you first problem (the spring is to thick and strong ) second make sure the male unit stop is adjusted correct , last if all is original add shims to the top two female bolts behind the unit and fire wall . Let use know!

[John H.]

Re: If the hole

I had this same issue ten years ago on my '57, and replaced the pins with the later ones with annular grooves - problem solved. The cup on the pin hides the grooves with the hood open, so the grooves can't be seen anyway.

[David B.]

Re: If the hole

Thank you everyone for the good suggestions. I appreciate the input.

John, do you know what year(s) would I look for that would have the grooved pins? Would I just replace the pins, or have to replace the whole male latch? Alternatively, I am wondering if I could just put the pins in my lathe and cut some tiny grooves, since they would be hidden as you said?

Thanks,
Dave

[Rob M.]

Re: If the hole

I know my 59 has the grooved pins... You need the 59E version.

greetings,
Rob.

[David B.]

Re: If the hole

Thanks Rob