Pop Your Hood-Not Your Cork
Shown above are some pictures of the hood latches on a '78.
Nothing is more frustrating than pulling on the hood release of your 1968-82 Corvette and having the cable snap! We have observed this happening at nearly every show that we attend. Simple maintenance, such as lubricating and checking the cables for wear will reduce the chance of unexpected failure, but if the worst does occur, there is a simple solution.
Located in the windshield wiper well, just in front of the windshield, are two access ports covered by plastic plugs. These are positioned just behind the hood latches in the engine compartment. Take a few minutes to check the location of the ports and their positions relative to the hood latches. In an emergency, you can push a long screwdriver through these plugs on 1968-76 models and flip the hood latches forward enough to release them. On 1977-82 models, the hood latches may be tripped by prying the driver?s side latch lever to the outside. This should release both sides, but if it only releases the driver's side, then repeat the procedure on the passenger's side access port.
A) Shown here is the driver?s side hood latch. Insert a long screwdriver (approx. 12") through the grommet from the windshield side and insert the tip into the slot on the latch. Push in the direction of the arrows.
B) Here's a close-up of the drivers side latch with the screwdriver engaging the slot. If the crossover cable isn't broken, this should pop the hood.
C) If the crossover cable is broken, you will need to repeat the procedure on the passenger side. The passenger side latch works a bit differently. Insert the screwdriver to engage the tang shown on the right and lever it down (in the direction of the left-most arrow).
D) The screwdriver only has to be inserted an inch or so to engage the passenger side tang.
Take a few minutes now to check out these access ports and practice the procedure. It?s much easier to do if you practice with the hood open and get a feel for the locations and distances to reach these latches. If your cables are old and looking frayed, replacement now would be strongly suggested.
By learning this simple technique, you just may "save the day" for yourself or a fellow Corvette owner.
Part Year Description Price Availability
609-525 1968-82 Hood Release Cable, with handle (GM) $74.99 In Stock
604-139 1968-82 Hood Release Cable, with handle (reproduction) (tempered wire) $19.99 In Stock
604-140 1968-82 Hood Release Cable, with handle (reproduction) (stranded wire) $19.99 In Stock
609-527 1969-76 Hood Release Cable, underhood, left side to right side $49.99 In Stock
609-529 1978-82 Hood Release Cable, underhood, left side to right side $29.99 In Stock
