Hood release cable

clusterbuster · 2012-09-24 20:14

Just curious to know if anyone has experienced a broken hood release cable after the hood was shut. I have been thinking of how one would get the hood open in that case. I've opened them on a front latched hood, but this one it seems would be a challenge to say the least.

suede57ford · 2012-09-24 21:23

Yes. Ford made a solution in case that happened.

Remember the rubber plug behind the Hood Latch on the Firewall???

Remove one of the lower air vents, reach up into the cowl push the rubber plug behind the hood latch out, push the lever on the hood latch, with a long screw driver and it will pop open.

I've actually had to do it on my black sedan.

I wore out a pull cable opening the hood so often to show off the supercharged 312!

lowrider · 2012-09-25 08:08

As a kid I recall my Old Man raising the front of a 57 up & releasing the hood latch through the fenderwell. He was a big guy, must have been eaiser for him that way.

Tom S · 2012-09-25 12:09

Quote from: lowrider on 2012-09-25 08:08As a kid I recall my Old Man raising the front of a 57 up & releasing the hood latch through the fenderwell.

From the 1958 Edsel service manual.

Both of those methods look like a PIA.
The previous owner of my Ranchero added an extra small wire to the under hood release lever. The end has about a 3/8? diameter washer & it sits in the small gap between the hood & the cowl on the left side of the car. Pull to release the hood.

clusterbuster · 2012-09-25 22:23

Thanks to all who gave input into getting the hood open in case of the release cable breaking. All these tips will be helpful. Don.

57 Ford Kustom · 2012-10-06 16:34

Quote from: clusterbuster on 2012-09-25 22:23
Thanks to all who gave input into getting the hood open in case of the release cable breaking. All these tips will be helpful. Don.

Thanks from me too, I will be putting a 40" rod in the trunk tomorrow!

clusterbuster · 2012-10-06 18:15

Nice looking Ford there Kustom.

57 Ford Kustom · 2012-10-06 19:06

Quote from: clusterbuster on 2012-10-06 18:15
Nice looking Ford there Kustom.

Thanks, but I can't take the credit. My Dad created the Kustom. he pasted away 3 yrs. ago, and I inherited it. I have only done hidden changes, I would like to keep it as Dad created it.

Thanks,
Tim

clusterbuster · 2012-10-06 19:58

Kustom, If your Dad did most all the work on your inherited car, he had great talent. If you have kids, you should keep it and pass it on as well. Real nice car. CB

57 Ford Kustom · 2012-10-06 20:03

Quote from: clusterbuster on 2012-10-06 19:58
Kustom, If your Dad did most all the work on your inherited car, he had great talent. If you have kids, you should keep it and pass it on as well. Real nice car. CB

CB,
My boy's are already calling dibbs on it! They will always remember their Grandpa as long as it's around.

Thanks

Tim

Jerrys Kars · 2012-10-07 17:04

Hood cable pulled loose. Someone told me about the thing under the dash. Never could get that right. Then the dowel thing through the left fender well. Bodyman friend loaned me a long steel rod with a hook on the end. Could bend it to clear the valve cover through the fender well. A lot of fishing around but finally got the hood to release. Need to jack the left wheel up and remove it. Know now that it can be done. Nice to have another 57 with open hood to see where you need to be with the dowel. Picture posted is a big help.

clusterbuster · 2012-10-07 17:19

THE RUBBER PLUG IS RIGHT BEHIND THE LATCH. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS DROP THE AIR VENT DUCT AND PUT A SCREWDRIVER IN THE HOLE AFTER THE PLUG IS PUSHED OUT, AND TRIP THE LATCH.

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Hood release cable