Busted hood locking mechanism - Now what?

Unknown

OK, so after slamming down the hood on my '53 Hornet WAY too hard, it appears that I've somehow broken the hood-locking mechanism. Judging by the slack in the cable leading to the under-dash handle, my guess is the cable is either snapped or came loose from the locking mechanism (no way to be sure). In any case, I cannot figure out how to go about repairing this, because I need to release the hood to get at the locking mechanism, but I need a working lock mechanism to release the hood, but I need to release the hood to fix the... etc etc etc. A catch-22 situation here, to be sure.

Does anyone have any pointers on how to get around this?

hudsontech

Been there, done that. It ain't the easiest thing in the world but you can get a screw driver up into the lock mechanisim and trip it so it will open - if it's jammed will take two people. One to lift up on the hood while the other works the screwdriver.



There's enough room (barely) between the grill bars - and the longer the screwdriver the better. You may have to play with it, but you can do it. Once the hood pops, so to speak, you can then trip the safety portion and open said hood.



Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

HudsonTech

Memphis, TN

nick s

try reaching below the upper grille bar and using a stubby screw driver to remove the center latch pin. had to do that recently on my '54

Hudson Grandpa

Thats the way I get my hood open everytime. I gave up on the pull handle iin the dash.



When the nozzle with the spring on it on the hood comes down and seats in the catch hole, the catch captures the nozzle in the plate. I just take a flat long screwdriver, even without looking I feel for the catch in the plate,

underneath, put the end of the blade on it, and I hit the screwdriver with my right hand, and she pops. Reach under and pull the safety latch and hood opens. It's real easy...

Unknown

I've been there, recently, as well. Pretty much need to work it with a long screwdriver, and have someone around that will help lift the hood, as you make progress.

hudsonguy

Once you get it open, you can always follow some sage advice I was given once. That is, to add a second hood release lever up front to go along with the under dash cable. It can be as simple as a coat hanger, or as elaborate as you want it. That way, you have two options when opening your hood.

rambos_ride

hudsonguy wrote:

.... That way, you have two options when opening your hood.

and so does everyone else...:D - that's one reason I don't particularly care for door poppers and shaved handles - you have to put emergency cables to open your doors in case of loss of power - and any thief worth his salt would already know this!

All modern cars use cable systems to open the hoods - the only problem with the Hudson is that the cables and housing have over 50 years of abuse and gunk gumming up the works...a properly installed cable should open the hood like a "hot knive thru butter".

These Hood release cables are easy enough to find - or have another made up with your existing handle.

shadetree

Locate The Stud Attached To The Hood With Tapered End That Slides Thru The Stationary Latching Device, Do This With Hand. Directly Behind The Tapered Stud Will Be A Small Slot, Slide Flat Blade Pocket Screw In To Slot, Push Screw Driver Handle To Passenger Side Of Car, This Causes The Same Action As Pulling Cable Release. Screw Driver Will Only Go Into Slot, Maybe 1/8 Inch, When You Get It Right This Will Release Hood. Melvin