Hood Latch Issues 67

[byates2]

I just started putting the body back on my 67. The fenders, the cowl, the rad support and the grill went on without much issue. Everything lined up (with some pulling and brute force) pretty evenly. However, I bought a hood latch off Ebay, an original off a 67 and the damn thing doesn't line up with the bolt holes on the grill. The latch is too long. I'd say probably an inch off from the mount holes. This also happened with a latch I mistakenly bought for a 69.

The truck was in an accident and had to have the frame straightened. I am worried this might be an issue of "trueness" in the frame and the body, but everything else lines up so i don't know about that. The grill is off a different truck and one of the fenders is a repro. Both fender skirts are also repro.

Is there a trick to this, am I missing something? I notice that sometimes there were parts for "early" 67's and later model 67's and mine is an "early" 67 which has caused issues before with part fitment. I am wondering if this may be the case? Anyone have any experience with this? What is the correct length between the rad support and the grill mount holes? Maybe I just bought an incorrect part again, but I dont think that is the case.

Thanks in advance

[byates2]

here is the link to the itemhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/201422665054

[michael bustamante]

can you post a pic of the hood latch you are using? are you still using a 67 radiator support? and grill retainer?
so you know the 67 chevy and the 67 GMC hood latches are completley different, you might want to make sure its a chevy hoodlatch
I just looked at the listing. that shiny black one and the old rusty one in the other listing its linked to look a little bit different, the handle seems longer on the shiny one. the rusty one looks like mine on my 67

[byates2]

By grill retainer, do you mean the piece that goes in between the grill and the rad support? If so, i have the original but i have not put it in yet, i forgot about that. But i dont think that will make a difference because of how off the latch mount holes are.

I am using a repro 67 rad support. I do not have a hood latch that i am using, i must of thrown the original one away or it may have been damaged in the accident, i dont remember.

I didnt see any rusty one that is linked to that listing.

[michael bustamante]

i can take measurements and send you pics of mine tonight if you like, just contact me tonight after 5 mountain time. 505-907-6836

[byates2]

That be great. I'll send you a text. thanks

[byates2]

Nobody else has any ideas?

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by byates2

Nobody else has any ideas?

The grill retainer has to be installed to get even close to the correct spacing for the latch. Without that in, the latch will not go in correctly. The angle braces that tie the top of the core support and the grill bolts that attach the grill to the fenders may need to be loosened to get the latch in. I can remember fiddling with mine for an entire day just to get that in so the latch would operate correctly. Take your time. It actually will fit in when the front is aligned correctly.

[67chevemall]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201422665054?rmvSB=true


The the OEM latch on the page for $40.

[byates2]

I dont know what latch you are referring to. It links to the page of the item i bought, but i do not see an oem latch for 40

The latch i bought is supposed to be OEM and off a 67

[byates2]

Nobody has any ideas or thoughts on the matter?

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by byates2

Nobody has any ideas or thoughts on the matter?

I had the same problem on mine you wouldn't think so but the grill will flatten out . Loosen it at the fenders, and the fenders as well. Bolt the latch in then button up the fenders. I bet if you leave it off your gaps at the front of hood and fender are a little wide and the peak of the grill is not as pointy as the hood peak. I figured mine just did it because I cut the center bar out.

[special-K]

The center support (grille retainer) goes in before the hood latch. Put that in and get back to us. All hood latches interchange, meaning they bolt up the same. There are differences for other reasons, but one will bolt-in where the other goes. You could also post a picture of yours and I'll tell you if it is correct for '67 Chevy. There are 67/68 GMC, 69-72 GMC, 67/68 Chevy, 69/70 Chevy, and 71/72 Chevy latches. All '67s slope in the front and all 69-72 are steeper, just like the hoods. All other differences are for the grille

[byates2]

Thanks! I haven't put that center piece in. I'll try that and loosen the grill bolts and see if i can muscle it in. Was just hoping it was an easy bolt in haha... nothing comes easy on these old guys

[67chevemall]

Originally Posted by byates2

Thanks! I haven't put that center piece in. I'll try that and loosen the grill bolts and see if i can muscle it in. Was just hoping it was an easy bolt in haha... nothing comes easy on these old guys

They are the easiest vehicle on the planet to work on. Take your time
You are over thinking it and not working in order of procedures.

Good luck have a beer first!