AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Body Shop => Topic started by: johnbendik on February 09, 2015, 12:59:20 PM

Title: Hood latch alternative
Post by: johnbendik on February 09, 2015, 12:59:20 PM
I did this because I got tired of having to crawl into the cabin with a pair of pliers every time I wanted  to raise the hood (the bottom tab on my hood latch pull is broken off).  And I don't have anything under the hood that needs the extra security of a hood release inside the cabin.

The push-pull control is a Dorman universal control cable (about $7.00 from Advance Auto).  I drilled a half-inch hole in the center post to mount the control in, and a small hole in the hood latch itself for the wire.  I was able to remove the original cable from the latch without cutting it by compressing the tabs on the ferrules, in case I ever want to hook it back up.

Here's what it looks like with the grill off.  You can see the intact original cable draped across the bumper.
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q646/JohnBendik/HoodLatch01_zpszdr3jmfy.jpg) (http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/JohnBendik/media/HoodLatch01_zpszdr3jmfy.jpg.html)

With the grill on, you can just see (and reach) the pull handle at the bottom:
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q646/JohnBendik/HoodLatch02_zpsta7nyynr.jpg) (http://s1352.photobucket.com/user/JohnBendik/media/HoodLatch02_zpsta7nyynr.jpg.html)

John Bendiksen
Title: Re: Hood latch alternative
Post by: JayRamb on February 09, 2015, 05:48:00 PM
Good job! Way to be an 'engineer'!!! Creative!
Title: Re: Hood latch alternative
Post by: Nightpath on March 05, 2015, 08:57:59 AM
There's a good chance I might steal this for myself. I'm thinking that for the pull handle, a bike brake handle modified might work.
Title: Re: Hood latch alternative
Post by: carnuck on March 05, 2015, 03:40:57 PM
I bought the universal Tee handle for ebrakes, broke the plastic off and threaded the metal end to fit. Don't have pics anymore. My current wagon works good still
Title: Re: Hood latch alternative
Post by: vangremlin on March 05, 2015, 03:43:07 PM
Nice job!