[PeteFL]

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....

got it. I guess I will order new from CJ because it is a hassle to open it. So it opens without any extra security in the cabin, right?

 

[my289]

Stock 1968 Mustang had no release mechanism inside. Now if someone has added something in the last 50+ years who knows. You shouldn't need to buy anything. Just sounds like you need some cleaning and possible adjustment to get it to work like stock. Good Luck.

 

[Grimbrand]

I had a crackhead break into my car after an engine fire. It got towed to the parking lot beside the place I worked in Chico CA, and I figured it would be fine overnight. I figured wrong. Some asshat broke in, pulled the parking brake so hard he managed to break it - presumably trying to open the hood - and proceeded to tear up the perfect original rear seat, bending the frame and tearing up the leather in an effort to get in the trunk.

Not a good feeling. He could've looked under the hood all he wanted, if only he'd known that the hood latch was outside...

 

[PeteFL]

wow this is crazy. I thought to buy something like this to secure the underhood area

 

[GypsyR]

I am not a fireman at all but over the years I have put out or helped with over a dozen vehicle fires. Key with an engine fire is to get the hood open as quickly as possible. If you can do that then very often you can get the flames smothered or extinguished. Maybe even with no damage to the car. Key is speed. No way I am fumbling with key locks in the hood of any of my vehicles.

On the other hand...my sister, for example, lived a few years in an area where she finally gave up having a car radio in her little Hyundai. Just left the empty hole in the dash. Still she said once or even twice a year or so someone would break into it to steal the battery. She invested in some thumbscrew battery terminals so at least they wouldn't cut the cables. If you live in such an area and have to park your car out in parking lot then maybe those type hood locks might be worth it to you.

 

[crank1000]

It looks like OP has very ambitious plans to convert his coupe to a fastback, but got stuck at the part where you need to open the hood. I will be watching that thread with nervous anticipation! God speed OP, you beautiful creature!

 

[PeteFL]

It looks like OP has very ambitious plans to convert his coupe to a fastback, but got stuck at the part where you need to open the hood. I will be watching that thread with nervous anticipation! God speed OP, you beautiful creature!

You are absolutely right, it's pretty big challenge for me.

On the other side, I rebuilt and customized a few modern cars for fun.
This one for example (which is my daily). Inside, outside, under the hood, suspension, brake system. Half of the car custom made carbon fiber (hood, doors, bumpers, fenders, trunk). Everything is custom made pretty much, even paint, learnt how to do it.

This time I decided to do something more challenging. Work on a 50 years old car which I never did before, have zero knowledge (I work in IT, nothing car related). Make one car from another, make a beast that will look great and drive great so... will see, can be huge failure or success.

 

[74Rallye]

I've seen hood latchs stump many people.
Did you figure out how to open yours yet?

 

[PeteFL]

I've seen hood latchs stump many people.
Did you figure out how to open yours yet?

It just opens "sometimes", I had to wiggle up & down a lot. Cleaning it right now, will see if anything will change.

 

[Grimbrand]

Pete, fixing (lubricating?) the original latch should work pretty well! They are not particularly fussy, unless they are mighty gummed up. The very fact that not many people KNOW where the hood latch is on these would tend to deter most knuckleheads. If it's a pro, then a 'security device' would be more of an incentive for them to get in - not a deterrent.

If it was my car, I wouldn't add more security or hood pins, etc. - the frustration and potential trouble that they could add is on top of the basic damage you'll have to cause to your hood and fender aprons/radiator support. They also tend to rust and corrode, either looking bad, or malfunctioning/coming apart later.

 

[crank1000]

You are absolutely right, it's pretty big challenge for me.

On the other side, I rebuilt and customized a few modern cars for fun.
This one for example (which is my daily). Inside, outside, under the hood, suspension, brake system. Half of the car custom made carbon fiber (hood, doors, bumpers, fenders, trunk). Everything is custom made pretty much, even paint, learnt how to do it.
View attachment 851912

This time I decided to do something more challenging. Work on a 50 years old car which I never did before, have zero knowledge (I work in IT, nothing car related). Make one car from another, make a beast that will look great and drive great so... will see, can be huge failure or success.

If that truly is your work, then I'm impressed. You should be able to make something very impressive out of your coup. Btw, I noticed in your startup video you were "pumping" the lever to the left of the steering column before turning the key. In case you weren't aware, that's the lever for your fresh air vent, not a primer for your carb like on a weed whacker.

 

[PeteFL]

If that truly is your work, then I'm impressed. You should be able to make something very impressive out of your coup. Btw, I noticed in your startup video you were "pumping" the lever to the left of the steering column before turning the key. In case you weren't aware, that's the lever for your fresh air vent, not a primer for your carb like on a weed whacker.

Thanks!

When I bought the coupe I opened the door and I had zero clue what those tumblers are for so, if anyone will drop a link-manual I would really appreciate it because I found one and it was pretty confusing.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Sounds like you need an owners manual my friend.

 

[PeteFL]

Sounds like you need an owners manual my friend.

103%

 

[jharcinske]

103%

Owner's Manual

Shop Manual

Curious about the "on Volks" part of your car description in your footer. Care to elaborate?

 

[Kjsmitty]

Owner's Manual

Shop Manual

Curious about the "on Volks" part of your car description in your footer. Care to elaborate?

“VOLK” - Wheel manufacturer 👍

 

[PeteFL]

@jharcinske @Kjsmitty is right, Volks racing series of Rays.
Usually JDM doesn't apply to American Muscle but it looks pretty on my another 07' project so I figured why not. Until I'll figure out with the custom design for the rims it will run Volks.