[PeteFL]

Hi.
Due to I don't know how exactly to pop the hood, I usually pull everything that can be pulled in the cabin, then mess with the latch. Sometimes it opens, sometimes not.
Can I replace it with quick-latch hood pins?
I thought about something like this

https://www.cjponyparts.com/quik-latch-hood-pin-kit-low-profile-series-ql-38-black/p/HDPK45/

(not sure if it will work as a replacement to standard latch mechanism), but maybe there other options. Please let me know!

 

[tb65m66]

There should not be an inside release on these early Mustangs. The latch lever is located at the front center of the hood. If you look closely you'll see the lever you need to pull.If the hood latch is difficult to pull, try pressing down on the hood as you pull the lever . Sometimes there is just enough pressure on the latch it feels like it won't open. Once you have it open, apply some silicone or white lithium grease to the latch.

 

[kkupec02]

you would want to use the front latch even with hood pins

 

[PeteFL]

I see. I guess just the original latch is sucks or too old.

 

[kenash]

I see. I guess just the original latch is sucks or too old.

No, not too old and doesn't suck, it just lacks maintenance. These cars are 50+ years old. They need and require periodic maintenance and repair. Just saying....

 

[Rufus68]

Just squeeze the latch upwards. If necessary, press down slightly on the hood to relieve pressure on the catch.

Don't try to move the latch sideways like is done with many modern cars that release the safety catch from inside the cabin via a cable.

The latch does contain a safety catch. When you close the hood, the hook catches twice. The first catch is the safety and the second holds the hood down tightly. This means you must squeeze the catch the entire time you are opening the hood to clear both catches.

 

[richardsimon52]

What lever have you been pulling inside the vehicle?

 

[MyOldGrayMare]

I once went to look at an MG 1100 in a parking lot with permission, but without the owner present. I looked all over the interior of that car trying to find the hood release button. I finally realized it was the one marked "B" for bonnet! Anyway, if your unlatching action is inconsistent, maybe the latching part of it will sometimes fail as well. Better get your hood latch working right before your hood and your windshield have a meeting.

 

[mike657894]

My guess is that someone has put a different cars cable latch system in and it has rusted or dried out. Get original style parts to fix it up.

 

[iamdiffrnt1]

It's also possible the op mistook the parking brake for the hood release.

 

[Rufus68]

The 68s also have a pull cable to open the driver's side fresh air vent. It is just to the left of the steering column.

 

[Ba mustang]

What lever have you been pulling inside the vehicle?

I'd guess parking brake or fresh air vent, maybe even manual choke.

 

[JohnnyK]

Sometimes it opens...

No it doesn't.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I don't know if this is real or not. But I sure do feel better about all the noob questions I ask here.

 

[macstang]

There is some adjustability in the hood latch. It may need some grease on the latch itself as well as the catch that is screwed into the hood. If the hood latch has old grease and dirt gumming it up that can also make it not function properly. It may just need to be cleaned with some solvent and re-greased.

 

[jasonwthompson]

Had problems with the latch sticking. After some WD-40 and minor adjustment it is smooth as "butta" now.

 

[427heaven]

I can relate I dont know how to open my door so I pull on everything under my hood until it opens sometimes. I yank on spark plug wires, headlight wiring, air cleaner etc. Sometimes yes sometimes no.

 

[GypsyR]

Though I have a shop manual, an owner's manual, and an old Ford maintenance booklet I have to confess not really looking but I suspect each specifies the hood latch mechanism should be lubricated every so often.

 

[daves67ss]

Had problems with the latch sticking. After some WD-40 and minor adjustment it is smooth as "butta" now.

Now that's it moving freely, put some real lubricant on it. WD-40 is not a lubricant...it's more of a penetrant.

 

[macstang]

I use REM oil for a lot of things. If it works on fire arms I think it should work on everything else.