Technical 50 Ford hood release

Hi,
Any tips on opening the hood on my 50 Ford after the cable release breaks? Had the same issue on my 47 Lincoln, but I was able to push the release through the grille with a wood dowel. No such luck on the Shoebox.
Thanks for any help

 

We all need a second release for when the cable breaks

 

Yep - lessen learned!

 

You have to remove the Grill so you can get your hand with a Small screwdriver above the center bullet of the Grill. find and hook the raised eye of the release lever and slide it sideways. Ask me how I know that. Notice the small piece of wire running alongside "NEW" my release cable.

 

The other way is to take an Ax and chop an access hole in the Hood. I wasn't into that.

 

Thanks for the info! Yeah, the axe solution falls into the same category as my cutting torch fix - not aesthetically very good.

 

I made this tool for my 47 Chevy, but something similar should work for any fat car. Bent up an old screwdriver. Slide it in between the hood and top grille bar on it's side. Then turn it 90 degrees and push latch open. The red heat shrink tells me how far in to push it. Keep it in the trunk and practice using it once in a while. Also its a good idea to keep your cable and latch lubricated. The duct tape is just there to hold it for the photo.

 

I might add that if you can't get into your hood now, I would find someone else with a similar car and make a tool like that before cutting up your car.

 

Exactly what I had to do. HRP

 

Is there any way you can grab the release cable from thru the grille area, if so, give it a good hard pull and see if it will release the hood catch (before the inner cable has a chance to slip inside the outer)..
I had the same problem with an OT car, and one good pull was enough to do the trick..

 

I call the cable company; they fix whats broke.

 

Performed this exact operation on an unsuspecting damsel in distress's O.T. car...

Her response? "OH, HOOKEYE..."