Hood won't open, did search...

[alec78]

Apparently my hood release broke and I can not figure out how to open it (short of cutting a hole in it ). I would really like to as my tranny died (I can't win) and I need to start replacing it. Any ideas?!?

Thanks,

 

[1985_K5_Silverado]

Does it feel like the cable snapped and isn't actuating the lower latch release, or does it seem to pull against the latch spring normally, but the latch won't release?

 

[alec78]

I think the cable came loose from the latch. It is very loose and there is no "spring" or pull.

 

[Metrodps]

alec what year is it? My 1987 gets funky now and then you pull it and it feels like nothing then pull again same thing. While you hold it pulled back get someone to take a screw driver and lightly apply pressure to push up. I have a hood emblem so I just give it a tug and it opens.

If it broke; take a long screw driver and look into the grille area at the latch. Then using screw driver push the part of latch where the cable pulls to open latch. *I am not where I can take a picture sorry if someone can and post where non members can see I can show him.*

 

[jekquistk5]

get some pb blaster spray up in the latch, and beat the crap out of the hood, it will open

 

[85 Jimmy]

i have a sweet spot that i have to hit to get mine to open

 

[Smokin'Joe]

I had a similar problem. After getting fed up for the umpteenth time, I took the cable and mechanism out! I kept the safety latch and run 4 hood pins NASCAR style. No problems since.

 

[chosen(1)]

i have a sweet spot that i have to hit to get mine to open

Me too, just slightly off-center to the passenger side, about 4 to 5 inches back from the front.

 

[MattK]

what exactly is it that is stickin in the latch that cant be lubed?

 

[Metrodps]

Old age? I took mine off and cleaned it in parts cleaner and still sticks so I think it is maybe the little spring for hood.

 

[beater_k20]

knocked the release cable off of my C10 once. took a piece of 1/4" x 3" steel, and sprung the hood so i could get at the latch bolts. then using a 1/4" drive socket and extension, removed the now exposed latch bolts. 2 whacks to the bottom of the hood with a dead blow hammer, and it was back to normal. bolt latch back up, attach cable, and you're good to go.

 

[alec78]

Thanks to all who replyed.

I've been sick since I posted and haven't been able to try any of these remedys.

 

[jonny290]

Anybody got any experience with locking hood pins? I'd kind of like to lock down my engine bay before I start upgrading parts (damn tweakers around here) and I was wondering if I'd be stranded with an unopenable hood some sunny Sunday afternoon two years down the road.