We have a 1953 Mercury Monterey with one problem. The hood latch simply does not hold the hood shut for long. The hood shuts fine and the latch latches. I can grab the front of the hood and try my darnedest to try to get it to open without pulling the latch, and it stays closed. I mean, I can grab the front lip and lift and bounce the car up and down and the hood doesn't budge. But take it out on the highway and drive for 5-10 miles and "boop" pops open to the safety latch. And it doesn't require hitting a bump. Just driving along smooth roads. Everything looks hunky-dory to me. Latch lever and arm seem to work OK. The spring is intact on the latch and the hood pin. I've adjusted the pin a bit longer (in one turn increments) on the theory that maybe it has to go a bit further into the latch, with no difference. Is it possible the "catch" on the latch is worn enough that it can work loose somehow? Anyone have experience with this issue? Anyone have a '53 Monterey hood latch laying around? I'm no body man, but this seems like it should be simple! There's not much else for adjustments, etc. Tim in Bovey
I don't know how to fix it but I believe Ford latch would be the same. Have you asked over on the Ford Barn?
Better try the Merc Barn. Mercs are 3" longer than Fords... I'd look at the taper bolt, behind the 'wedge', on the 'trailing edge'. If that is worn 'semi-round', a few miles would let it release from SUBTLE vibration. The 'flat trailing' shape could be ground some, take a look. ...should be the same taper bolt as Fords '52-'56...
Still haven't solved this! I don't see any wear on the taper bolt. But I wonder. Just how much "play" should there be in the pivot for the latch and release lever? Meaning, I can move the release lever up and down probably half an inch either way up/down without too much trouble, and in futzing with it I can get it to release with barely any pull on the arm at all. Need to take a closer look. Tim in Bovey
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