Technical 41 coupe hood latch

On a 41 ford coupe or any model from that year Does anyone have any pics of the hood latch mechanism. This morning after my breakdown ( carb filled up w fuel) I got my car home and coudnt get my hood open . It has a cable running from the latch to inside the car which I am pretty sure was added in the 80s. Eventually I took one of the small grill pieces off reached in and pulled on the cable sheathing which popped it open but there doesn't seem to be an adjustment on the cable that'll open it ( it has a fastener on the cable held in place with a set screw. i'd rather go with the original set up or something I know will work

 

The fastener on the end of the cable with the screw is original equipment. It sounds like the wire is hung up inside the cable housing. Remove the fastener with the little screw, go to the inside of the car and pull the hood release handle all the way out. Clean the wire with scotch bright, lubricate it, and the cable housing. Reinstall the wire and feed it back to the hood release lever. Lube every thing again, and reinstall the fastener with the little screw.

 

I agree with sdroadster. Also after ***embly, have some one operate the hood latch from inside and ***ure the latch retracts all the way to release the hood latch pin. When correct, I put a bend in the wire after the collar with set screw to keep the adjustment. Also when adjusting, remove the cover over the cable/latch, if you have one. With some luck you can slide a slim piece of metal or paint stirring stick between the grill and hood to push the latch lever to unlatch the hood if you need .

 

thanks guys I would've never thought. the cover piece over the cable made me think it was original but its good to hear from people that know thanks

 

To clarify, the original hood release was cable operated.....the cable presently in the car could be newer.

 

Here's a tool I came up with. Might be useful if your cable is broken or something. The duct tape was
just holding it in place for pictures. Just slide it in , turn it 90 degrees and push the latch open.

 

The whole cable sheath and all is very easy to remove from the car. Every two or three years I remove it and remove the inner wire and lube it. I also carry an inch wide by about a foot long piece of tape wrapped sheet metal in my tool box to open it in case the ferrel falls off. Same idea as yours.

 

Actually it's not a "cable" it's a wire

 

dk coupe nice invention you guys are making my life easier

 

Yup.....heavy gauge wire in a wound sheath case.....still called a cable....although you do have a point.