[updated:LAST EDITED ON Sep-12-02 AT 05:28 AM (CST)] howziit guys! to keep thieves from my engine compartment, i need to find a way of securing the hood on my '56 chevy truck. how do you guys lock your hoods? thanks for help. Myron
I don't lock mine as I am in a low crime area. In the past I had a Chapman on a different car. If they still make it it is a good choice. phantom
howziit phantom! thanks for responding; last resort, i might drill a hole through the push-handle, and slip a padlock onto it.(ugh...then it will be visible in the grill.) Orrrrr, maybe i'll buy a universal "inside release hood lock kit". what's a Chapman? Myron
howziit again guys! i guess no one's locking their early-model truck. lemme see if i can invent a hood lock, for THE PINK LADY. instead of spending $69 for an aftermarket one, with a flashy handle, you can choose from hundreds of OEM models, chevrolet and otherwise, for cheap. in any case, nothing REALLY bolts on. of course, the handle and cable needs mounting inside the cab, and your latch needs to be modified. the original hood-release lever will need to lose control of the primary(larger) arm, so that ONLY the new hood-release can operate it. i bought an NOS vintage(unknown) cable and knob for $9.00, which SHOULD bolt onto the dash, at the choke cable's position. removing the hoodlatch for inspection, i find the hood-release lever, which actuates the primary(larger) arm, and allows the hood to open about 1 inch. the secondary(smaller) arm is then activated, by pressing the same hood-release lever even further. this allows the striker in the hood to clear the secondary, and the hood is allowed to rise. you can either cut off about 1" from the primary(larger)arm, where it contacts the "nub" of the hood-release lever, or the "nub" itself. if you cut off 1", you lose the support of the brace nearby. i'm cutting off the "nub", leaving the larger arm intact. then, by drilling the primary(larger)arm at the EXACT location, where it used to meet "the nub", the new hood-release cable can be attatched. NOW, the new hood-release handle inside the car activates the primary(larger)arm, then the original hood-release lever actuates the secondary(smaller)arm, allowing the hood to open. Heyyy, instead of installing inside hood-release handle and cable, you could always buy a $14.99 universal remote-trunk electric solenoid kits, and connect it, at the same primary(larger)arm's location. FWIW, make sure you have access to the primary(larger) arm, in case the hood-release cable breaks/slips out of adjustment. if not, you will be in the same situation as EVERY truck owner, if/when their original hood-release latch assembly fails...S-O-L, and bending sheet metal to access the latch!LOL!}> }> }>
