78-82 hood release tool

Thought I'd post some pics of my handy dandy emergency hood release tool(before someone gets out the sawzall!). As some have found, a screwdriver can be difficult to use for this with the hood actually closed(as opposed to practicing with it up). Made this a few years ago since I do have 4 Vettes with this type of latch. Simply a 1/8" X 3/4" X 24" aluminum stock from Home Depot. A few strategic bends: slightly bow it in the middle and bend the 2 ends , one end about twice as much bend as the other. On the driver side, insert into the access hole from the outer most edge of the hood with the slight bend DOWN and just push(NO twisting). The passenger side must also be released using the tool. Raise the wipers, insert the tool straight in with the sharper bend UP and simply push. You're simply pushing down on the finger that the cable pulls on.

mkapp78792007-05-18 11:32:08

Well done Mike...!!!

Mike

Eddie,

Thanx, Mike!!! You should patent that, and then sell it to one of the tool manufacturers! You da MAN!

Hi mkapp,  Do you know if this will work on a 74, tried the screwdriver no luck! thanks,

Mike,

Ralph, when I saw your earlier post, I called a friend with a 76 Vette to see if he wanted to take a ride over. Figured we could look at the difference in latches side by side. He's coming by tomorrow. Guess I can call him off, now. I would have said the tool wouldn't work on the earlier latches. I'm surprised.  Ya know, I'll still have him come by. Now I'm curious.  Mike