After making some recent engine mods on my '70 Mustang project, I was unhappy knowing anybody could open my hood. I recalled reading a forums post about using a hood latch from a late model Ford truck. So off to the junkyard I went.
After searching for a while I eventually found a latch that bolted right up to the existing points on my Mustang, but since it came from a truck, the release cable looked like it would not be long enough.
So I pulled the latch after disconnecting the release and went in search of a different release cable. I eventually settled on one from a 90's Mustang since the hood-to-body proportion was close to what I was working with.
TIP:
Make sure that when you pull your latch you get a corresponding release cable that is usable for your application.
The latch did bolt right up but secondary release lever positioning was going to be tricky to access because of the grill area so I had to improvise a solution.
To make the fit I needed to do a couple of things.
1) I did a visual comparison of the two latches and determined what I would need to grind away in order to take them apart.
2) I then separated the old latch pieces and finished my grinding to get the piece I would need and cleaned and painted it.
3) I then separated the new latch and finished my grinding, did some cleanup and painted it to get ready to add the old pieces on to it.
4) I then lined up the old latch release lever onto the new latch and welded the three grinded areas so nothing would separate.
5) The discovered that the old latch allowed to much travel so had to fab a distance limiter piece from the new latch material I had removed.
Tip:
Check this and weld onto the old latch, as needed, prior to joining the pieces together.
6) Proceeded to remount the "new and improved" hood latch and discovered I needed a bracket for the cable cover to attach to.
7) Made a bracket from some scrap metal I had and welded it into place and secured the cover.
Tip:
Check this and fix as needed prior to mounting on car.
8) Adjusted the fit, tested successfully and called it a day.
Tools I Used:
* Wrench/Socket Set
* Screwdriver
* Grinder
* Dremmel with grinding wheel and drill bit
* Hammer
* Big Pry Bar
* Welder
Estimated Cost (no discounts applied)
* Locking Hood Latch with Cable: 10.00
* Krylon Semi-Gloss Black Spray Paint: 6.00
Total Cost: $16.00
Disclaimer:
I do not claim that this is the best way to do this, or even if you should do this, but rather that this is what I have done. Your cost, results and satisfaction may vary.
Today
Re: Junkyard Upgrade - Locking Hood Latch
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