Hood Latch Handle

[ReggieFoote]

Simple question from a simple man.

The other day when attempting to pull the HOOD handle to open the hood, the handle pulled off. Now I couldn't open the hood without my trusty VICE GRIPS.

It looked like there were threads, but nothing to tighten.

I put the handle back on the shaft and "tapped" it on. Seems to be staying on..

Anyone have a similar situation and solution??

Thanks in advance, Reggie

[ReggieFoote]

Geeze..Forgot to mention the car is a 1950 Champion...Sorry!! Reggie

[TWChamp]

The first thing I would do is raise the hood, unscrew the cable collar, then remove the pull cable so you can polish it with steel wool, then oil it and the outside cable. I do this as soon as I buy a Stude, because most of the time they pull too hard. I also grease the latch and pin, to make them slide together easier.

As far as the handle, I guess JB Weld should hold once the cable is cleaned and oiled.

Also remove any kinks in the cable or outer wrap.

BTW, I need to do the same to my overdrive cable, as soon as the weather warms up.

[Mark L]

Something similar happened to the hood release on my 51 Land Cruiser before I found it. The steel wire rusted/seized inside the spiral sheath, and at some point the end of the cable pulled through the front end of the handle that was crimped to the cable when someone pulled it. Amazingly, the handle was still in the dash even though it no longer worked.

If you have one that works, keep it lubricated.

Mark L

[kurtruk]

This would be a good reminder for The Cooperator column in T/W.
There is no good supply of these for the older models.
Passing near the top of the battery lends to a corrosive environment as well.

[rockne10]

If you have one that works, keep it lubricated.

Word to the wise. They are getting scarce.