1969 How to get hood open

[David M.]

Cant open hood.

1969, Auto, small block, A/C car with a BB hood.

The hood release pulls in and out like its not attached, which I'm sure this the problem...typical

Both sides are closed.

How do I get the hood open? From underneath on a lift Id imagine. No access holes in the wiper tray like 73 and up.

Somewhere I know I read how to get early C3 hoods open when the system fails. After over an hour searching here and google I came up empty.

Tips and tricks welcomed.

TX
Dave

[Richard K.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Chevrolet Dealer Service Information Bulletin Number 71-I-11, Section XI, Dated Oct. 6, 1971 shows a simple procedure. I couldn't find a copy of this in the current 1969-1969 TIM&JM, but you might find it through a "Google" search. If this doesn't help, then give me your email in a message here and I'll try to scan it to your email.
If you are going to re-install your hood, an NCRS member has a procedure to follow to get correct alignment. He can be found in the driveline, I believe under "Services". Cost is $25.
Good Luck
Rich Kossum

[Mark E.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Search "stuck corvette hood" in Youtube and you'll find several videos for C3.

[David M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Thanks guys.

Richard, private message sent TX.

All internet searches led to C2 and C3 from 1973 and up. Nothing for 68-72. Nothing here either in current threads or archives.
Guess Ill pave they way on this one.

I had the grate between the wiper door and hood off and then opened the wiper door. No clear path to the releases that way.

Only way I see access is from under the car on a lift. Hopefully with a tool, mirrors and a fair amount of contortion?

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Thanks guys.

Richard, private message sent TX.

All internet searches led to C2 and C3 from 1973 and up. Nothing for 68-72. Nothing here either in current threads or archives.
Guess Ill pave they way on this one.

I had the grate between the wiper door and hood off and then opened the wiper door. No clear path to the releases that way.

Only way I see access is from under the car on a lift. Hopefully with a tool, mirrors and a fair amount of contortion?

access is from under the car on a lift You are right. If both sides are closed, access is from the bottom driver's side. If 1970-72 take the side grill off. In your case from below, removing the splash shield behind the front wheel. A long screwdriver or rod to trip the lever on the hood latch. A strong light and understanding of the configuration of the latch on the body is helpful.

If only the passenger side is latched there is a hole with a plastic plug in it (if the plug has not been lost) in the partition between the engine compartment and the wiper storage area. Remove the wiper grill to access hole. Push the plug out. There is a bulletin in the back of the 1968-69 and the 1970-72 TIM&JG that shows the shape of the rod needed to access the trip lever on the passenger side hood latch. Of course, none of us have a tool shaped like that until we need it. Years ago I saw such a tool for sale in one of the large vendors, but I haven't noticed it lately. On the other hand, I haven't had the need to look either. I would not be optimistic about purchasing it given the age and relatively small market share of C3s.

[David M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Terry thanks for the thorough explanation. To the lift it goes, along with a new release cable kit.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Terry thanks for the thorough explanation. To the lift it goes, along with a new release cable kit.

When removing the driver's side splash shield you may find the brass barrel retainer assembly (I am sure Chevrolet has another name for it, but it is probably equally obtuse) that came loose from the release cable. Sometimes the cable breaks and sometimes the brass assembly (nut??) comes loose. Watch for it.

[David M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Thats what Im thinking is the set screw came loose and pulled out, This car is a nice 70K survivor not beat up at all. Ill make sure to close the loop after we get it up on the lift and get the hood open.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Thats what Im thinking is the set screw came loose and pulled out, This car is a nice 70K survivor not beat up at all. Ill make sure to close the loop after we get it up on the lift and get the hood open.

In the event the cable did break, the replacement has a different configuration near the handle on the interior of the car. I can't tell you what that difference is, but someone who judges interiors regularly will know. Patrick ... Patrick ......... Patrick.

This is of course, only an issue if you intend to have the car judged. Being an original car it is a consideration. Someplace I saw a story, (The Michigan Chapter newsletter The Signal Seeker I think), on how to change the cable in such a way as to retain the originality of the interior configuration. Given your description of the car it might be worth the effort to seek out those instructions and implement them should it be necessary to change the cable.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

In the event the cable did break, the replacement has a different configuration near the handle on the interior of the car. I can't tell you what that difference is, but someone who judges interiors regularly will know. Patrick ... Patrick ......... Patrick.

This is of course, only an issue if you intend to have the car judged. Being an original car it is a consideration. Someplace I saw a story, (The Michigan Chapter newsletter The Signal Seeker I think), on how to change the cable in such a way as to retain the originality of the interior configuration. Given your description of the car it might be worth the effort to seek out those instructions and implement them should it be necessary to change the cable.

I wrote the article that appeared on the Fall 2018 issue if The Vette Signal. I can send a digital file to anyone who wants it.
Jeff

[David M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Jeff, Terry thanks! Good info...
Yes, Jeff I would appreciate that digital file.
I private IM'ed you with my email address.
TX
Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

I wrote the article that appeared on the Fall 2018 issue if The Vette Signal. I can send a digital file to anyone who wants it.
Jeff

Thank you Jeff. We all appreciate your hard trail blazing work. That was a good article. I hope you sent it to Vinnie for The Restorer. It deserves wider circulation.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Thank you Jeff. We all appreciate your hard trail blazing work. That was a good article. I hope you sent it to Vinnie for The Restorer. It deserves wider circulation.

Terry,
I did not send it in for national publication but I will.
Jeff

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Dave,
I got your PM and will get it off to you this evening.
Jeff

[David M.]

Re: 1969 How to get hood open

Jeff...That's Gold! Thank you! And yes please get it into publication.
Dave