Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Atomsplitter · 09-24-2008, 11:29 AM

I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about trusting the original design hood latch mechanism on my '48. Has anyone swapped there latch mechanism for something more secure. Aftermarket or donor suggestions would be appreciated. I'd feel alot more secure at 80 MPH knowing the hood wouldn't fly up to say hello......

dan42 · 09-25-2008, 12:12 AM

I would have to agree with you there. I guess in the original scheme of things, no one ever dreamed we would be putting the motors in them that we are now, and going as fast as we are. I don't have an answer for you, but I'm sure someone here does. Here's a bump for you.

Atomsplitter · 09-25-2008, 11:12 AM

I did some sniffing around on the internet and found this aftermarket latch from Autolok, I wonder if anyone has tried them.....

http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autol...so?itemid=BCTR

1-ton of fun · 09-25-2008, 04:06 PM

you could always do some good ol fashioned hood pins.

i love the way they look on my chevelle, although i have not ever seen them on an old truck.

mr48chev · 09-25-2008, 11:48 PM

Hood pins just wouldn't cut it on and AD truck. Way too Mullet.

That bear claw latch that Atomsplitter showed might be a good option to the stock stuff but if the stock pieces are in really good shape they should hold fine.

I've had my hood blow open once and that was when a semi passed me going in the other direction at a high rate of speed in Wyoming. At least the louvers let enough air flow through that it didn't damage the hood. The latch was worn and not adjusted as well as it could have been that time.

If the stock latch and pin are in good shape and everything is adjusted correctly on the hood, latch and front end it should be good for about any sane speed.

Over the past 35 years I have found (sometimes the hard way) that you have to have everything in place on these front ends especially the support rods from the hood to the fenders and have all the correct pads in place and the correct hood hinge bolts in place.

Lextech · 09-26-2008, 09:39 PM

I saw a VW Beetle ( maybe about a 73 ) hood latch on an AD truck one time. It looked like a very straight forward install. It had an inside release cable and a safety catch. I know that is pretty vague, but it was a loooong time ago. I am going to check into it myself when my 54 is a little further along.

Jeff

09-24-2008, 11:29 AM	#1
Atomsplitter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 514	Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about trusting the original design hood latch mechanism on my '48. Has anyone swapped there latch mechanism for something more secure. Aftermarket or donor suggestions would be appreciated. I'd feel alot more secure at 80 MPH knowing the hood wouldn't fly up to say hello......

09-25-2008, 12:12 AM	#2
dan42 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cali Central Coast Posts: 5,191	Re: Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? I would have to agree with you there. I guess in the original scheme of things, no one ever dreamed we would be putting the motors in them that we are now, and going as fast as we are. I don't have an answer for you, but I'm sure someone here does. Here's a bump for you. __________________ '67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7

09-25-2008, 11:12 AM	#3
Atomsplitter Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Ontario Posts: 514	Re: Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? I did some sniffing around on the internet and found this aftermarket latch from Autolok, I wonder if anyone has tried them..... http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/autol...so?itemid=BCTR

09-25-2008, 04:06 PM	#4
1-ton of fun polishing a turd Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: houston, tx Posts: 674	Re: Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? you could always do some good ol fashioned hood pins. i love the way they look on my chevelle, although i have not ever seen them on an old truck. __________________ 59 chevy apache 31 4x4 - my project: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8668512 53 buick special - straight 8 sled - blow through turbo 47 gmc - flatbed hot rod build 99 ford econoline e350 - 4x4 converted family roadtrip/overlanding rig AKA 'Monstervan' AKA 'Daddy-Van'

09-25-2008, 11:48 PM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,406	Re: Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? Hood pins just wouldn't cut it on and AD truck. Way too Mullet. That bear claw latch that Atomsplitter showed might be a good option to the stock stuff but if the stock pieces are in really good shape they should hold fine. I've had my hood blow open once and that was when a semi passed me going in the other direction at a high rate of speed in Wyoming. At least the louvers let enough air flow through that it didn't damage the hood. The latch was worn and not adjusted as well as it could have been that time. If the stock latch and pin are in good shape and everything is adjusted correctly on the hood, latch and front end it should be good for about any sane speed. Over the past 35 years I have found (sometimes the hard way) that you have to have everything in place on these front ends especially the support rods from the hood to the fenders and have all the correct pads in place and the correct hood hinge bolts in place.

09-26-2008, 09:39 PM	#6
Lextech Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oak Forest, Ill. Posts: 194	Re: Late Model Hood Latch on a '48 1/2Ton ??? I saw a VW Beetle ( maybe about a 73 ) hood latch on an AD truck one time. It looked like a very straight forward install. It had an inside release cable and a safety catch. I know that is pretty vague, but it was a loooong time ago. I am going to check into it myself when my 54 is a little further along. Jeff



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