Amazon: - opening the hood...

the.goodhumorman · Nov 24th, 2008, 21:34

I accidentally broke my hood release latch a while back, and now I need to work underneath the hood but I cannot open it. How do you suggest i get to it?

222s · Nov 24th, 2008, 21:54

Which part has broken - just the handle under the dashboard? If you unscrew the grilles, that will give you access to the latching mechanism.

the.goodhumorman · Nov 24th, 2008, 22:19

I can't unscrew the grilles. there are no screws on the outside of the car. this is a '60 with the different grill. is there a way to jimmy it open with a screwdriver?

222s · Nov 24th, 2008, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by the.goodhumorman

I can't unscrew the grilles. there are no screws on the outside of the car. this is a '60 with the different grill.

Ah...

Is there space to slide a wire coat hanger through the gaps in those grilles to hook around the latching mechanism (on the left hand side)? Or perhaps crawling under the car and using something (coathanger again?) to hook around the release cable under the bonnet? Watch out that you don't damage the wiring loom though. I wouldn't recommend the screwdriver method unless absolutely necessary at those really early grilles are rather rare!

Alf ista · Nov 25th, 2008, 01:58

Thats how I would tackle it too, get under with a coat hanger and go for it. I do remember on my old Alfasud from years back, they came with a simple back up device in case the bonnet cable snapped. Basically, beside the bonnet release, there was fitted a second wire with a simple plastic handle at the end of it and attached to the release latch. I think they did it because the bonnet was front hinging and you would definitley have no way of getting to it if the main one snapped. It would be a simple thing to fit though for the future if you were nervous about it happening again. Good idea on a nice little car........didnt make up for the rampant tin worm though

Nov 24th, 2008, 21:34	#1
the.goodhumorman Junior Member Last Online: Sep 28th, 2010 15:03 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Gresham	opening the hood... I accidentally broke my hood release latch a while back, and now I need to work underneath the hood but I cannot open it. How do you suggest i get to it?

Nov 24th, 2008, 21:54	#2
222s Amazoniste Last Online: Sep 19th, 2016 21:52 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Emsworth View Photos By: 222s	Which part has broken - just the handle under the dashboard? If you unscrew the grilles, that will give you access to the latching mechanism. __________________ Paul - 1967 Amazon 222S B20 o/d Estate & 1961 A-H Sprite Mk2 948cc WANTED - For '67 Amazon estate - offside rear quarter, preferably new old stock.

Nov 24th, 2008, 22:19	#3
the.goodhumorman Junior Member Last Online: Sep 28th, 2010 15:03 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Gresham	I can't unscrew the grilles. there are no screws on the outside of the car. this is a '60 with the different grill. is there a way to jimmy it open with a screwdriver?

Nov 25th, 2008, 01:58	#5
Alf ista Premier Member Last Online: Apr 17th, 2024 12:54 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Co. Cork, Ireland.	Thats how I would tackle it too, get under with a coat hanger and go for it. I do remember on my old Alfasud from years back, they came with a simple back up device in case the bonnet cable snapped. Basically, beside the bonnet release, there was fitted a second wire with a simple plastic handle at the end of it and attached to the release latch. I think they did it because the bonnet was front hinging and you would definitley have no way of getting to it if the main one snapped. It would be a simple thing to fit though for the future if you were nervous about it happening again. Good idea on a nice little car........didnt make up for the rampant tin worm though

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