Hood latch problem on 54

[Willard M.]

It's been a while since I have had a 54. I'm having trouble with one side of my hood latch. One side clicks when pushed closed and is fine. The other side goes down without hearing that click and it quickly works its way up to a slightly open position. I really don't understand what catches to hold the male pin closed other than friction on the pin from the female side which is pulled down with the cable release. Is there something simple and obvious that I am missing? Later solid axles have a different latching system and are easy to understand and to adjust, but this one is giving me fits.

[John S.]

Re: Hood latch problem on 54

if you remove the female latch on the faulty side you will probably find that it is worn and egged shaped. the wear is usually not noticeable from the top. once the latch is worn, shimming, different springs or putting grooves in the pins do no good.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Hood latch problem on 54

You could try shimming the lowest bolt of the female hinge outward, using a few washers, shims, etc.

That'll "cant" the female hinge and might allow it to grab the male pin better.

NOT sure about this, but wasn't someone selling oversize male pins?

It's a common problem with 53-55, as they have no serrations in the male pins like later models have.

Chuck

[Willard M.]

Re: Hood latch problem on 54

You both have been very helpful, especially letting me know that it's a common issue. My previous 54 was fine but this one is a devil. I will try and change the angle of the female latch first. A local machine shop probably could make up some oversize pins pretty easily if that fails. Step three might be to get a repop from Corvette Central. Any idea how correct these are? As a final solution I will just drive into my local Chevrolet dealership and complain about poor design. Thanks again.