Hood latch cable ideas?

[48builder]

I've decided to use my stock hood latch on the '48. I have to find or make the "hook" piece since mine is broke, but that's doable. I was thinking I'll just get a choke cable at the farm and tractor place and mount it up under the dash to release the latch. Was wondering if you guys have something else you like to use for this purpose?

Walt

[unklian]

Compare the size of the choke cable,
to that used for cable operated hood releases on late models.

[1FATGMC]

   

When I did the tilt front-end on my truck I went to the salvage yard and got two hood releases along with the handles and cables to work them from the same make/year mini pickup.

   

If you don't want to use the releases just get the cables.  The handles will give you more leverage pulling on the cable.

More pictures here:

http://purplesagetradingpost.com/sumner/underconstruction/underconstruction7.html

c ya,

Sum

[phat rat]

Look at the hood release cables from full size pick-ups also. Keep in mind the choke cable doesn't have an permanent end on it while the hood release cables do. You don't want the end slipping or coming loose, plus it looks cleaner.

[Charlie Chops 1940]

Simpler, unless you are hard over on a release in the car, is to attach a lever with a push or pull tab to the piece that the cable pulls on and make it accessible through the grille. Did that on my '40 and it eliminates a part that can fray, kink or break. Been on there for 20 years with no wear noted.

Your mileage may vary.

Charlie

[GPster]

You would do this after I spent a couple of hours flattening/cutting-up cardboard boxes so that the trash will take them. I took the cable and latch out of the S15 GMC that I'm parting out for the frame. Now I'll probably have another box in a couple of days so tell me where to ship it. The nice thing about the automotive hood cables is that they say HOOD on them (so a helper won't release the emergency brake  instead). They also are sealed in a plastic jacket and are more flexible than a choke cable. The latch mechanism that I have is out of the same donor vehicle and you probably don't need all of the mount. The mount is the height of a cross/flow radiator and I'll just cut it down for shipping. PM me with an address, Merry Christmas! GPster                                                          PS If a cable brakes one of the HELP deals at Auto Zone probably has a replacement

[donsrods]

Lokar makes a very nice hood or trunk release setup.  Very strong so it won't break like a choke cable might do.

Don

[48builder]

You would do this after I spent a couple of hours flattening/cutting-up cardboard boxes so that the trash will take them. I took the cable and latch out of the S15 GMC that I'm parting out for the frame.

Thanks a bunch. I sent you the info in a PM. I really don't need the latch, unless the "hook thingie" comes off easily. It may be possible that yours will match up better than the Dodge piece I was going to use.

Don, that Lokar piece looks nice, but I have tried to avoid them since I had a problem with my e-brake unit I bought from them a few years back.

Walt

[GPster]

Don, that Lokar piece looks nice, but I have tried to avoid them since I had a problem with my e-brake unit I bought from them a few years back.Walt

Did you take care of that problem? I've got the S15 emergency brake pedal and mounting (and cable?). Just means a bigger box. GPster

[48builder]

[quote="GPster                                         Did you take care of that problem? I've got the S15 emergency brake pedal and mounting (and cable?). Just means a bigger box. GPster[/quote]

Yes, I'm all set there. That was on my '39. Took many phone calls and complaints for them to get it right.