1978 Hood Latch Adjustment

[John H.]

I am trying to help a new member with his 1978 Silver Anniversary Corvette
whose hood latch on driver's side WILL NOT stayed closed.
It appears to pop up every time hood is pressed down.
Is there a way of adjusting ? We didn't want to have hood jammed shut
with the possibility of not been able to reopen the hood.
Are there any type tricks to doing this adjustment ?
By the way THIS CAR has only 1640 miles on the odometer.
It is a site to behold, a very ORIGINAL CAR. Minimual wear.
Even original tires still have SIDE BEADS sticking out.
All original parts still on car, with exception of master cylinder replaced.
Current owner of 13 years has saved original master cylinder.
Owner takes car out on Sundays for short drives.
I am attempting to explain Star/Bowtie process to him and the difference
of Flight Judging. Car is Silver with Red Interior. Automatic. BEAUTY....

[Greg A.]

Re: 1978 Hood Latch Adjustment

John, I had similar issues with the drivers side latch on my '78. I can't seem to recall what exactly I did to fix it, although I do remember adjusting the number of shims under the hood catch assemblies. Also, lubricate the hood latches and release cable. If the cable does not return to the original position when the handle is pulled to unlatch it, then it won't latch properly when shut. Remember to use the proper technique when shutting the hood...drop it from about 12 inches.

I'd love to see some pictures of the engine bay on this original car.

[Scott O.]

Re: 1978 Hood Latch Adjustment

John,
Greg has some good ideas. My Hood Release cable was sticking, I was able to free it by spraying grease in between the covering and the stiff wire cable.
Kept working it back and forth until it free up. This allowed the latches to close properly. As Greg mentioned check and lubicate the latches and the connecting cable. Also any pictures of the engine and interior would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck and let us know how it works out
Scott

[John H.]

Re: 1978 Hood Latch Adjustment

Thank you for your suggestions. I will pass them on to the owner.
His computer is currently down so I will call him about sending out the
pictures etc. Please have patience in seeing the pictures. It may be a
few days before I send them. I have never sent a picture to the NCRS
discussion board, so I'm not sure how to attach them. I have a Apple
MacBook Pro and it has been a adventure in attaching photos to a email.
Any suggestions a greatly appreciated. Big John

[Mike R.]

Re: 1978 Hood Latch Adjustment

I agree with Greg on the cable. I finaly replced the cabel on my 82 and it fixed the problem.

Mike