Hide the latch system for the hood? I was working on a 56 Plymouth grill insert for my 50 but it had a big ole monstrosity of a vertical support for the latch system. I don't think I can hide that. Here's a pic of the grill. Or at least one just like it. Bear with me I am a custom wannabe.
Roothhawg, I've been thinking about this for my Merc. I'd be interrested in what you finally come up with. Can you cut off all obtrusive latch workings down to just the latch and catch and use a later model cable pull mounted inside the cab? Is your latch setup something along the lines of a shaft that fits into a circular opening, which closes around it? (I'm trying real hard not to sound sexual here)...if you could attach whatever latch mechanism that you currently pull with your hand over to a cable style, I bet it would be small enough of an arrangement to not be seen...that and paint it flat black...
Raise the part on the core support, and recess the part on the hood. Just move the whole assembly 3" up and Voila it's hidden again.
I may just hafta take a pic. It has the old spring loaded latch with the arm to release it. I just wondered what everyone was doing to keep the hood closed?
Bear with me I am a custom wannabe. [/ QUOTE ] WANNABE???? Man, yer killing me! If that is a pic of your work and ideas, then you are well beyond a wannabe...
You may want to fabricate some triangulated brackets to mount the latch and eleminate the vertical brace. In other words use some small square tube or angle iron, across the front of the radiator connecting each side of the radiator support at the height of the latch then 2 pieces of tube forward to the rear of the latch. Then from the forward corners of the latch, tubes angled down and out at the same time to connect lower on the radiator support. This should give some good support to the latch. I plan to build a similar support for the latch on my 49 chevy. I hope you understand what I'm trying to explain. sorry if it was vague. Billy
I agree with Shoebox, not having actually seen what you have, I started thinking that it may be mounted in a structual manner...in which case, anything you cut out should be repalaced, obviously. Wouldn't want your core to flex on the road and shift the alignment off the latch and have your hood pop open... Flat black paint works wonders behind grill areas. Unless the part is in direct sunlight, no one will notice anything 'ugly' if it's painted flat black...works good for hiding trans coolers mounted on the front of the radiator too.
Root, Here's what I was thinking for my '54 chevy. I was going to get one of those camper shell twist-handle type latches and mount it in the hood. The handle would face downward probably comming through the pad where the original latch thingy was. The rods would go from side to side and through holes drilled in the fenders and if needed you could even use the locking type. If you didn't want to drill the fenders you could make u-shaped brackets that bolted to the fender, came up under the lip of the hood and provided the holes for the latch to go through. I never got around to trying it, but that was my plan.
This is how I did it . I used a bmw catch, just drilled 2 holes where the old catch was in the hood ,bolted the bmw catch on. locked on the new catch closed the hood ,set the gaps then welded a bolt to the tube I used for the grill .This lined up with the new catch ,bolt it on,pop the hood.This leaves the catch were you want it.Then I welded box iron to hold the catch . It works fine . Still need to fill in around the catch with metal.
That's a good idea. The old Chevy latches were known for blowing open if they didn't catch right. Ask Nads.....
more , and your grill looks sweet.Been working on mine , molding the bumper end guards to the fenders. Just thinking what way to finish it off.
I had the same idea of the cross brace but a different style of latch. Like a trunk latch or bear claw style. I'll had to ponder this. I could use the bearclaw and have a cable pull inside the car.
Do something like v8 minor, Root. I never buy "store bought" latches. There is way to much really good hardware in the wrecking yards. Cheap too!
Tinbender I work in a bmw bodyshop and stuff like that are my perks !! I really try and make do and mend , and its cheaper , Roothawg I have anouther lock you can have it if you want to pay the post. But it may be cheaper to get one local
Root'-Maybe ya can put in enough "Horizontal re- inforcement" to eliminate the vertical brace and save the factory set up that way........
[ QUOTE ] Root'-Maybe ya can put in enough "Horizontal re- inforcement" to eliminate the vertical brace and save the factory set up that way........ [/ QUOTE ] go on...I'm listening
another thing i found in one of my lil pages is that it also looks really good to back up that grille with expanded metal. i'm gonna do it on my '55 plymouth. which by the way isn't that a '55 grille bar not '56? it's surely a '55 center section. i found 2 good one in a yard here a while back and i need to go get at least one of 'em for a chevy project i have plans for. also is the whole latch assembly showing or just the lever? if it's just the lever how about running a release inside the car like on newer ones. franks car was one of my favorites of all time i do however think the latest version is the best of 'em all. i've got features on it in a coupla different lil pages i think from back in the day. first and second incarnation. cool fuckin' car and looks like your right on track with yours. man now i want to go drag the chevy project up.damn...ken.... i just went back and reread your post and saw that the vertical support was the problem. i guess i should read more carefully. the expanded metal would help to hide it well. i think that was one of the better reasons for using it behind custom grill bars. if you want to see any of this i have the pics and a good lil pages article on building an expanded metal grille...ken....
I was kinda thinking I might have a horizontal bar with a bearclaw styled latch. That would eliminate any chance of someone raising the hood from the outside for some illegal reason. Plus it would have a safety catch unlike the stock latch.
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