Possible to convert hood latch, '80ss to early '70's?

[pcorssmit]

Possible to convert hood latch, \'80ss to early \'70\'s?

Has anyone converted their hood latch from the cable type with the interior handle to the thru the grill type, or vice-versa? I was getting ready to ditch my stock latch ('83) and go with hood pins so I can actually get the durn thing open, then started wondering if I could swap it out for the earlier style. I'm assuming they switched when they changed the front clip in '81, the cable type has a vertically mounted catch that is prone to sticking. A coworker of mine has a '74, it has a phallus that sticks straight down from the hood, and the release is in the grill. I think this would solve my problem, I'm just not sure if the parts would work with my hood and radiator support.

Thanks,

Pete

'83 K5, 350 TBI (ex 6.2), 700R4, NP208, Dana 60/14 bolt, 4.56s, Detroits, 3" lift, 15-39.5x15 TSLs
'97 Dodge 2500 4x4 CC LB Sport, Cummins 5 spd

 

[prjt_blzr]

Re: Possible to convert hood latch, \'80ss to early \'70\'s?

I think that it is just a matter of buying the correct hood release. My '77 has the internal release and my '76 has the external release. I don't recall there being a difference in the core support. Unfortunately I'm travelling and can't check this for you right now.

 

[pcorssmit]

Re: Possible to convert hood latch, \'80ss to early \'70\'s?

Stopped by the junk yard on the way home from work today. The '81+ mounting is completely different. If I was sure it would solve my problem I might try to make it work, but there's a lot of other projects I'd rather spend the time on. Looks like the hood pins are going on, as much as I'm not too crazy about them.

Pete


'83 K5, 350 TBI (ex 6.2), 700R4, NP208, Dana 60/14 bolt, 4.56s, Detroits, 3" lift, 15-39.5x15 TSLs
'97 Dodge 2500 4x4 CC LB Sport, Cummins 5 spd