Hood latch alternative

[johnbendik]

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.


With the grill on, you can just see (and reach) the pull handle at the bottom:


John Bendiksen

[JayRamb]

Good job! Way to be an 'engineer'!!! Creative!

[Nightpath]

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.

[carnuck]

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

[vangremlin]

Nice job!