Hood Stuck Closed

[TcomeT]

I have a hood that I can’t seem to open. When trying to lift the hood up I push up on what seems to be the safety latch but can’t find what still holding the hood down.

Anybody know how the latch machinism works? I’m trying to acces the engine from outside the car.

This is an non running 66 Comet Caliente
Thanks

[Caveman49]

You release hook is probably catching, try to look under the hood, maybe you can see the “J” type hook that might be catching the small bar.

Maybe this might help understand where the hood latch might be catching. See the middle bracket on the radiator support.




Another pic of the center catch bar.

[TcomeT]

I believe I’m able to move the J-hook out the way by pressing up on the latch. Seems like something else the hood is latched onto and there is no way to look under the hood.

Looking to fix my fathers old car and need to get to the engine.

[poboyjo65]

Have you pulled the main latch lever? if so it should raise an inch or so until the safety latch catches. unless someone has wired it down. if you have the main latch pulled & hood raises a tad as mentioned maybe you can get a phone or something in there to take a pic or maybe down below the grill for a pic or use a little mirror & light.

[Caveman49]

What Johno said above^. Sometimes that j-hook gets bent, you should be able to look up under…

[TcomeT]

I will try giving it another look. Thanks guys

[Caveman49]

I-is the release handle that you lift up and hold while opening, II-is the first hood release (it may not be opening, the picture shows what it should look like when open), III- is the J hook.
Sometimes you may have to push down on the hood to get II to release.

[poboyjo65]

I-is the release handle that you lift up and hold while opening, II-is the first hood release (it may not be opening, the picture shows what it should look like when open), III- is the J hook.
Sometimes you may have to push down on the hood to get II to release.

On some vehicles mostly old 70's trucks,( all 3 of mine) I have to give the front of the hood a good whack with the bottom of my fist while pulling on the lever with the other hand. it's worth a try especially if it is the first primary latch that is hung.

[Caveman49]

It sounds as if the primary hood release isn’t releasing, otherwise if it was, all you’d have to do is push the J hook to the left to open the hood.
Wack the hood like Johno said, that might make it release, if not, you’ll need to get a screw driver or something to get the latch to open while holding the hood release up. Make sense?

[TcomeT]

Yes, that makes sense. Thanks for the advice guys, appreciate the help.

[poboyjo65]

upon further review: Though it's no help to you but after thinking about it I went to look at my 65 & it too only has one lever to work both latches. & so I edited my previous post so future viewers wont know I'm getting senile

But if the banging with the fist doesn't work you might get a helper to pull the latch while you push down on hood & bang with bottom of fist or palm. think of the Fonz, that may help too

[Caveman49]

Johno I know the feeling, no worries, I believe the OP understands the operation of the latch now. Your input is always appreciated.
You know these older cars go through a lot of wear n tear over the years, and things get contorted, like metal. That’s probably the issue he’s having with the hood release. Wonder what part of the country he’s in?

[TcomeT]

Got hood unlatched but can’t get it to raise all the way up. Do you know what might be the cause? And thanks for your previous replies.

[Caveman49]

You might try lubricating the hinges with WD40 or whatever you may have available. Spray all the hinge moving areas and work the hood up and down gradually. Careful how to do this, that’s how the hoods get bowed.