Hood Release Project

[Randalla]

After more than 50 years my original hood release cable finally gave up the ghost, breaking right at the release latch. The entire replacement is available for around $75, but I thought I'd take a shot at refurbishing the old component parts. Where the cable goes into the T handle, it was originally crimped in place by the factory. My first step was to grind flat the end of the metal rod threaded into the T handle that the cable went into, center punch the end, and drill the center out about 1-1/2" deep with a 1/16" drill, to fit a 1/16" braided cable from the local hardware store (you'll need roughly 4 feet). I also picked up some aluminum crimp on cable stops for the end going to the hood latch itself. I mixed some JB Weld up and smeared it on the end of the cable going into the T handle, then squeezed the metal end flat in my vise for good measure. With the cable in the T handle end secure, I'm now turning to the latch end. This is a little tricky, and where I'm hoping someone can advise. I need to be sure the end of the cable coming out of the black cable cover is cut to the correct length before crimping on the aluminum cable stop. Too short and it won't allow the catch to engage the pin on the hood. Too long and it won't pull the cable enough to release the catch. As best as I can tell the catch needs about 1/2" - 3/4" of travel. What I need is a good measurement for the cable length from the point it exits the cable cover to the point where the ball is crimped on to keep the cable in the "birdcage" bracket. My best guess is around an inch but I don't have one in tact to measure. Can anyone assist? Thanks!          

[Mike]

I've tried rebuilding several cables like this, mostly the choke.  Anything I would do to it would eventually fail.  TBH, I'm not sure anyone here has taken on this kind of project.

[Mike]

Well, I guess I was wrong...   check out this search

https://www.classiczcars.com/search/?q="hood latch cable"&quick=1

[Randalla]

Thanks Mike. I had seen those posts, but unfortunately they don't directly address my issue at this point. I already installed an emergency cable release in the event this happens again, but want to restore the original function using the T handle. Just trying to ascertain the length of cable from the end of the cover to the latch itself. It has to be pretty precise to function properly. It's probably close to 1 inch but I can't be sure. Thanks again for weighing in Mike. 

[Randalla]

Finally had a chance to take a friend's 240Z hood latch apart and measure the length of the cable from the cover at the latch end, to the cable stop at the end towards the latch. For those interested, the measure should be 1-1/8". Mine is now back together and the release and lock are working great. 

[Patcon]

I was going to look but hadn't gotten back to the shop yet, sorry...

[Randalla]

Thanks Patcon. Appreciate your intentions🙂