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Front Hood Lock Cable

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Front Hood is also known as the Bonnet.

This page applies only to Type 1.

Types 3 and 4 use a much different hood latch configuration.  Type 2's do not have a front hood.

• Read our Safety page too.

We have available for download the complete procedure on our DOWNLOADS page

Breaking the cable to the front hood is a real pain. 

On 1967 and earlier the Front Hood release is a knob located below the instrument panel at the left of the steering column

On 1968 and later the Front hood release is located in the glove box on the left side.

1967 and earlier

Best case is you already have the hood up. Then all you have to do is to disconnect the lock pin on the lever by the below the instrument panel at the left of the steering column. Then take out all screws holding down the cable. After which loosen the cable from the hood lock mechanism.

WORSE CASE: The Hood is down. There are a couple of ways to handle a broken cable to the front hood lock.

OPTION 1: once the cable breaks the latch springs back automatically.  The pin is freed and the hood can be opened.

Option 2.  below the instrument panel at the left of the steering column

    a.  Disconnect the locking pin from the lever.

    b.  Using a pair of locking pliers, pull on the cable to release the hood latch.

1968 and later

Best case is you already have the hood up. Then all you have to do is to disconnect the lock pin on the lever in the glove box.  You may have to remove the glove box first. Then take out all screws holding down the cable. After which loosen the cable from the hood lock mechanism.

WORSE CASE: The Hood is down. There are a couple of ways to handle a broken cable to the front hood lock.

Option 1.  Hood Latch

    a.     Make two or three cuts with a hacksaw in the hood handle as shown in the picture.

    b.  Unscrew the pieces of the handle from the bolts. This will free the lock's upper part so the hood can be opened. NOTE: the bolts may be rusted so use a penetrating oil to loosen up the bolts then use a pair of locking pliers to remove the pieces of the handle.

Option 2.  Glove Box

    a.  Since the glove box is cardboard (unless you have replaced it with the aftermarket plastic one), just punch it out by hand, piece of wood,  or mop handle.

    b. Once the glove box is removed take a hold of the cable with a pair of locking pliers and pull back towards yourself.  If the cable is broken off in the tube going to the lock then your only alternative is Option 1.    

In this photo shows the normal place that breaks marked as #2. But may also break in the area marked as #1.

COSTS on 1968 and later

Option 1 will cost about $50

Option 2 is about $20

Your choice.

More information on the replacement of the cable will be coming soon.

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