67 Hood Latch problem

[Ira L.]

When I close the hood of my 67 convertible both latches catch the hood and secures it flush with the quarter pannels. However as I drive the right side latch gives way and releases but the left side remains secure. Is there an adjustment that can be made to just that side to secure the hood from poping up?

[Tom H.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Hi Ira !

Welcome !!! Yes, there should be an adjustment you can make. ( Both the pins and the latches have adjustments.) Also be sure everything is lubed and sliding correctly. Also be sure your hood release handle is pushed completely in when the hood is closed.

[Michael J.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

You can also add washers or spacers behind the firewall mounting bolts of the latches to adjust the front-back fit. They didn't build these cars with close tolerances and tight fit and finish you know

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Your problem might be as simple as an adjustment of the cross hood release cable..... possibly a little tight.

[Jack H.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Latch pins need to be CENTERED in the catches and extended sufficiently for the catch to close around the back side of the pin. Adjusting the pin length is pretty simple (rotate the pin on its threads into/out of the pin holding plate.

Adjusting the pin to catch centering profile is bit trickier. There's some adjustment where the catch attaches to the firewall and you can use shims as others have suggested. But, here's my technique...

Wrap the catch assy with aluminum foil. Now, carefully and SLOWLY close the hood until the latch pin leaves an impression in the foil covering the catch.

Raise the hood and visually inspect where the tip of the latch pin is with respect to the CENTER of the catch opening. Make required adjustment(s) until you do obtain a solid centering profile.

Last, NEVER fully close/latch the hood until the catch to firewall and latch to hood fasteners are FULLY tightened! Failure to do this can result in catch closing/holding the pin with catch and/or latch free to move around and failing to release when you pull the release handle... If you accidently get to this point, you're going to HATE yourself, because it's a major chore get the catch open again and release the hood catch pin!!!

[Ira L.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Hi Ira !

Welcome !!! Yes, there should be an adjustment you can make. ( Both the pins and the latches have adjustments.) Also be sure everything is lubed and sliding correctly. Also be sure your hood release handle is pushed completely in when the hood is closed.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the quick response. I'll look more closely at the latches and give it a shot.

Thanks,
Ira

[Ira L.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

You can also add washers or spacers behind the firewall mounting bolts of the latches to adjust the front-back fit. They didn't build these cars with close tolerances and tight fit and finish you know

Thanks, Michael, I think I'll try the pin adjustments first. But, I know what you mean about the "exact manufacturing tolerances" utilized during the 60's.

Ira

[Ira L.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Your problem might be as simple as an adjustment of the cross hood release cable..... possibly a little tight.

Stephen,

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check it out.

Ira

[Ira L.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Latch pins need to be CENTERED in the catches and extended sufficiently for the catch to close around the back side of the pin. Adjusting the pin length is pretty simple (rotate the pin on its threads into/out of the pin holding plate.

Adjusting the pin to catch centering profile is bit trickier. There's some adjustment where the catch attaches to the firewall and you can use shims as others have suggested. But, here's my technique...

Wrap the catch assy with aluminum foil. Now, carefully and SLOWLY close the hood until the latch pin leaves an impression in the foil covering the catch.

Raise the hood and visually inspect where the tip of the latch pin is with respect to the CENTER of the catch opening. Make required adjustment(s) until you do obtain a solid centering profile.

Last, NEVER fully close/latch the hood until the catch to firewall and latch to hood fasteners are FULLY tightened! Failure to do this can result in catch closing/holding the pin with catch and/or latch free to move around and failing to release when you pull the release handle... If you accidently get to this point, you're going to HATE yourself, because it's a major chore get the catch open again and release the hood catch pin!!!

Jack,

Thanks for the detailed response, especially for the warning about hood fasteners. Sounds like that would be a mightmare!

Ira

Thanks,
Ira

[Michael J.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Jack,

Thanks for the detailed response, especially for the warning about hood fasteners. Sounds like that would be a mightmare!

Ira

Thanks,
Ira

Wow, I guess. I have often wondered how you get the hood open if the latches stick or the cable breaks or gets loose. That would be a major problem alright!

[Terry M.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Wow, I guess. I have often wondered how you get the hood open if the latches stick or the cable breaks or gets loose. That would be a major problem alright!

That would be a good Restorer article -- how to open the hood when all else fauls. I know about C3s, but not a clue about mid-years.

[Kirk M.]

Re: 67 Hood Latch problem

Along those lines, my hood release cable broke a couple of years back. So, I couldn't get my 67's hood open. Funny thing is that my mechanic buddy who helps me on many of my projects is always complaining about the fact that my car has air conditioning - it really complicates spark plug changes, shielding removal and re-installation and so on. However, in this one case it saved the day. How? Because AC cars had their batteries moved to the driver's side to create more room for the compressor and when they did that they installed a battery access panel in the driver's side wheel well. So, off came the access panel and from there is was an easy reach to the cable and open came the hood. If the access door hadn't been there, I was told I was going to need a very long screw driver and some patience! Not sure exactly how that would have worked though.

Kirk