hood pops up

[dallastx75208]

62 hawk. My hood will go down and lock in position however when I drive the car it will pop up. The safety does catch. I have tried adjusting it, made the long bolt longer and slid the bracket that catches the hood rod forward. What else can I do?

[DieselJim]

Drill a hole through the latch bolt and put a spring clip in after the hood is closed. This will prevent the hood from opening. Jim

[Milaca]

Are you certain that the hood locks in position? Maybe the mechanism needs lubrication as it may be stiff, therefor the latch doesnt completely close?


Lark ala mode
In the middle of Minnesota

[64Avanti]

Whatever you do make sure that either your hood is latched or tie it down. You don't want it to come completly unlatched. It will then beat up your roof. It is even worse with a pre 62 Hawk because of the weight of the grill.

David L

[sals54]

The entire hood latch mechanism on the Hawks are problematic anyway. The latch is mounted on the lower valance which is not structurally sound. The latch itself is a very old design. The weight of the hood makes it prone to vibration and road irregularities, i.e. potholes, can cause a jarring which can vibrate the hood loose as well. A safety pin such as DieselJim has mentioned is a great idea. There are several ideas listed and shown on one of the other forum threads.

sals54

[Chucks Stude]

Make sure on that 62 that the latch is releasing, and making good contact with the pin. Look at it from underneath. Also, check the bolts that hold the assy to the lower valance, they do degrade over time. Could be the pin is worn, and not grabbing.

[valleyguy]

I had the same problem on my Hawk but I kept making adjustments,
now its nice and tight. That upper "dovetail" bolt has to be centered in the lower hole and long enough to catch. If your
parts are not worn badly, you should be able to adjust it to make
it work correctly. As suggested by others, I also drilled
a hole through the dovetail while I had it out, and use a linch
pin to secure.

Joe D.
andbut ek

[DEEPNHOCK]

I agree agree with what the others have posted here.
Make sure your latch plate is cleaned and lubed on the bottom.
Make sure your latch release is lubed and free with no binding.
Make sure your pin hits dead center upon closing.
Drilling the cone of the pin for a safety pin is a great idea.
Sounds irritating, but after a while you will perfect the pin in and out dance.
Best .25 you can spend...

quote:Originally posted by valleyguy

I had the same problem on my Hawk but I kept making adjustments,
now its nice and tight. That upper "dovetail" bolt has to be centered in the lower hole and long enough to catch. If your
parts are not worn badly, you should be able to adjust it to make
it work correctly. As suggested by others, I also drilled
a hole through the dovetail while I had it out, and use a linch
pin to secure.

Joe D.
andbut ek

[blackhawk61]

This works !



1961 Hawk 4BC,4-SPEED,TT

Ken Byrd
Lewisville,NC

[Milaca]

Perhaps you have a weak spring?


Lark ala mode
In the middle of Minnesota

[DEEPNHOCK]

Ken,
Now you (and other Studenuts) can drive proudly knowing your Hawk has a pierced nipple[}][]
Jeff[8D]

quote:Originally posted by blackhawk61

This works !

http://community.webshots.com/user/deepnhock
Note: Rule 20 rules.

[StudHawk60]

Maybe it's just that my mind is in the gutter, but drilling that post looks painful.[:0]

[BobGlasscock]

I'm just glad Jeff clarified that it is a nipple. I was feeling pain elsewhere.

'50 Champion, 1 family owner

[StudHawk60]

quote:Originally posted by BobGlasscock

I'm just glad Jeff clarified that it is a nipple. I was feeling pain elsewhere.

'50 Champion, 1 family owner

Yeah, me too.

[bondobilly]

You can install a lock that mounts to your hoods support pipes and latch. It is a backwards "J" hook that locks into the cross member that holds the side grilles. You can see a photo of one in a 1956/57 Service Manual, but you will need a 47 thru 55 Body Parts book to get the proper part number. It will prevent your hood from ever popping open and flipping over the windshield. I have had my hood pop at 75 and the J hook held it.