In cab hood release - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Lemield · 02-07-2011, 04:16 PM

Here is my version of Putters and 68w/sbc406's in cab hood release.....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=136797

My addition was a threaded adjuster from a bicycle brake cable. I welded in a 6 MM nut and voila.....I used a billet cable setup from Watsons Street works..

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/

I mounted the cable under the dash....works nice. I decided to fabricate this because I installed the LMC billet grille and the extension rod for the latch is pretty crappy...at least I thought so.....

barryvanhook · 02-07-2011, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemield

I decided to fabricate this because I installed the LMC billet grille and the extension rod for the latch is pretty crappy...at least I thought so.....

You aren't the only one ... I scrapped the one that came with my billet grille after trying it without a great deal of success. I substituted a length of all-thread with a round ball on the end ... I can push it up with the toe of my shoe to release ... a much better solution than their extension rod. Maybe not better than yours!

6772owner · 02-07-2011, 08:25 PM

Im gonna have to talk you into doing this mod for me too, twice!

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6772owner

Im gonna have to talk you into doing this mod for me too, twice!

My welding skills are nothing to brag about but I'm sure we can work something out....

6772owner · 02-08-2011, 09:42 AM

Sweet, its mostly just the parts involved, my bro welds like a mad man!
Posted via Mobile Device

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 09:46 AM

I've got enough steel to make at least one more......the adjuster screw came from a local bike shop's scrap bolt bucket for free...17 cents for the nut....
At the very least, I can show you how it all goes together. If the cable I used ever has a problem, I will replace it with a lever style cable from Watsons.....the lever style would work a lot better.

6772owner · 02-08-2011, 11:21 AM

Ok cool, sounds good to me, we'll have to get together when better weather rolls around. I guess if you're coming to the GTG, I could see it then as well.

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barryvanhook

You aren't the only one ... I scrapped the one that came with my billet grille after trying it without a great deal of success. I substituted a length of all-thread with a round ball on the end ... I can push it up with the toe of my shoe to release ... a much better solution than their extension rod. Maybe not better than yours!

Barry...I like your solution. I left the lever (just shortened for grille clearance) on the latch just in case my cable breaks....I carry a big old long wrench (equalizer) in the truck that I can use to push up the latch if I need to....

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6772owner

Ok cool, sounds good to me, we'll have to get together when better weather rolls around. I guess if you're coming to the GTG, I could see it then as well.

Sounds good. I saw the thread for the GTG.....sound interesting...would have to talk my wife into it but I'd love to meet more truck people....

Luvlegs · 02-08-2011, 05:19 PM

Hey all - I put in a one piece cable - cab to front - very similiar mounting - everything moves EXCEPT when the hood is shut. I welded the two "arms" together so there's only one "release". I backed out the hood pin almost to the point that my body lines are off. Everything is lubed. I broke the tip off the main release spring (to relax it more) - I took off the small spring in the release.
ISSUE - I have to stand on my tip toes, hold the pull handle with both hands and throw myslef into for all I'm worth aaaaannnnnndddd - ugh, it pops! Any suggestions?

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 05:23 PM

I did have to adjust my hood pin a bit and it is still a hard pull....but not really terrible...that's why I think the lever type cable would be better. Sounds like you did everything to make the thing easier to pull...sorry I don't have any more ideas...

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luvlegs

I welded the two "arms" together so there's only one "release".

Is yours welded like this?

Luvlegs · 02-08-2011, 05:32 PM

sure looks like it - I made sure it moves like it should (and it does when the hoods not closed)

Lemield · 02-08-2011, 05:50 PM

Dumb question....but I gotta ask since it happened to me....is the lever that you welded on to the release possibly hitting the radiator or the A/C condenser? On mine, it was hitting the A/C condenser so I had to grind the end back a little bit. I also put two thin washers behind the two upper bolts. This gave it a bit more clearance. Just a thought....

Luvlegs · 02-08-2011, 07:52 PM

Well it might help somebody else but I don't have AC and the radiator is not in the way. Keep going though! I was thinking about taking out the "big" spring and replacing the little one with a stronger one but I'm not sure just how much "looser" I want that release to be.
I can still JUST reach through my grill and pop it now (I won't cut the front off until it works real nice)

Lemield · 02-09-2011, 09:36 AM

The cable I used has a plastic or teflon lining. I learned about teflon lined cables on my Harley after replacing an old clutch cable with a new lined one...what a difference. Anyway, if your cable is not lined, it might be contributing to the hard pull. You might be able to put some cable lube in the housing...that might help too. I also used a cable clamp on the radiator mounting to help keep the cable from moving. Just a couple more thoughts....

steelscout · 02-09-2011, 09:44 AM

Too bad there isn't a bolt-on application for this, since I don't have the skills to do this type of work, I would be very interested in having this added security...

CEE1NG_RED · 02-09-2011, 11:29 AM

Did you get the cable from a later model suburban??? I saw a few @ my local junkyard, but didn't bother taking it out until I know more info. about this mod.

Lemield · 02-09-2011, 12:40 PM

I used a cable from Watsons Street works....Part number #CC-UB10

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/cable_releases.html

treveiger · 02-09-2011, 01:43 PM

ss

Lemield · 02-11-2011, 11:04 AM

Hey LuvLegs,

I went out to the garage last night and tried to unlatch my hood release and it appears to be having the same problem as yours. I put it together when it was warm but it's been very cold lately and now it's not working. This morning I ordered a lever style cable from Watsons. I will let you know if it solves the problem.

Luvlegs · 02-11-2011, 12:45 PM

I bought a 8' "solid" core pull at tractor supply. It's smooth and all works when the hood is up. I took the hood pin out and cleaned it very nicely, even a small dallop of grease on the back. No luck. I'm thinking the solenoid popper is the way to go (before I throw myself on my back when my hands slip off!). I made sure to keep nice sweeps in the line, no kinks or close turns. I'm thinking about taking the big spring out and putting a fatter one on where the little on is.. just want it to be safe though.

Lemield · 02-11-2011, 12:49 PM

The guy on the phone at Watsons suggested putting a spring on the latch to provide some preload so that the pull isn't so hard....don't know how I'd do that though....

Lemield · 02-15-2011, 02:55 PM

Ok...I ordered a new lever type cable from Watson's last Friday.
This past weekend, I took the hood release apart, put some cable lube in the cable and lubed up the latch itself. I also noticed that the hole in the lever that I added to the latch didn't line up very well with the upright part that I built...so I drilled a new hole. I also shortened the cable a bit. I also relaxed the tension on the spring a little bit. It is now working pretty smoothly.

I will keep the new cable and use it when this one breaks or quits working.

02-07-2011, 04:16 PM	#1
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	In cab hood release Here is my version of Putters and 68w/sbc406's in cab hood release..... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=136797 My addition was a threaded adjuster from a bicycle brake cable. I welded in a 6 MM nut and voila.....I used a billet cable setup from Watsons Street works.. http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/ I mounted the cable under the dash....works nice. I decided to fabricate this because I installed the LMC billet grille and the extension rod for the latch is pretty crappy...at least I thought so..... Attached Images __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-07-2011, 08:25 PM	#3
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: In cab hood release Im gonna have to talk you into doing this mod for me too, twice! __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

02-08-2011, 09:42 AM	#5
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: In cab hood release Sweet, its mostly just the parts involved, my bro welds like a mad man! Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

02-08-2011, 09:46 AM	#6
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release I've got enough steel to make at least one more......the adjuster screw came from a local bike shop's scrap bolt bucket for free...17 cents for the nut.... At the very least, I can show you how it all goes together. If the cable I used ever has a problem, I will replace it with a lever style cable from Watsons.....the lever style would work a lot better. __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-08-2011, 11:21 AM	#7
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: In cab hood release Ok cool, sounds good to me, we'll have to get together when better weather rolls around. I guess if you're coming to the GTG, I could see it then as well. __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644

02-08-2011, 05:19 PM	#10
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: In cab hood release Hey all - I put in a one piece cable - cab to front - very similiar mounting - everything moves EXCEPT when the hood is shut. I welded the two "arms" together so there's only one "release". I backed out the hood pin almost to the point that my body lines are off. Everything is lubed. I broke the tip off the main release spring (to relax it more) - I took off the small spring in the release. ISSUE - I have to stand on my tip toes, hold the pull handle with both hands and throw myslef into for all I'm worth aaaaannnnnndddd - ugh, it pops! Any suggestions? __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

02-08-2011, 05:23 PM	#11
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release I did have to adjust my hood pin a bit and it is still a hard pull....but not really terrible...that's why I think the lever type cable would be better. Sounds like you did everything to make the thing easier to pull...sorry I don't have any more ideas... __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-08-2011, 05:32 PM	#13
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: In cab hood release sure looks like it - I made sure it moves like it should (and it does when the hoods not closed) __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

02-08-2011, 05:50 PM	#14
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release Dumb question....but I gotta ask since it happened to me....is the lever that you welded on to the release possibly hitting the radiator or the A/C condenser? On mine, it was hitting the A/C condenser so I had to grind the end back a little bit. I also put two thin washers behind the two upper bolts. This gave it a bit more clearance. Just a thought.... __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-08-2011, 07:52 PM	#15
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: In cab hood release Well it might help somebody else but I don't have AC and the radiator is not in the way. Keep going though! I was thinking about taking out the "big" spring and replacing the little one with a stronger one but I'm not sure just how much "looser" I want that release to be. I can still JUST reach through my grill and pop it now (I won't cut the front off until it works real nice) __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew! Last edited by Luvlegs; 02-08-2011 at 07:53 PM.

02-09-2011, 09:36 AM	#16
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release The cable I used has a plastic or teflon lining. I learned about teflon lined cables on my Harley after replacing an old clutch cable with a new lined one...what a difference. Anyway, if your cable is not lined, it might be contributing to the hard pull. You might be able to put some cable lube in the housing...that might help too. I also used a cable clamp on the radiator mounting to help keep the cable from moving. Just a couple more thoughts.... __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-09-2011, 09:44 AM	#17
steelscout Words under my name Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Lakewood, Washington Posts: 181	Re: In cab hood release Too bad there isn't a bolt-on application for this, since I don't have the skills to do this type of work, I would be very interested in having this added security... __________________ 69 Chevy CST/10 "Project: Bloody Knuckles" my slow going project. 2010 VW Golf, daily driver Wrench Rookie Last edited by steelscout; 02-09-2011 at 09:45 AM.

02-09-2011, 11:29 AM	#18
CEE1NG_RED Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LBC California Posts: 497	Re: In cab hood release Did you get the cable from a later model suburban??? I saw a few @ my local junkyard, but didn't bother taking it out until I know more info. about this mod. __________________ - 1967 Chevrolet C/10 SWB fleetside (New Project). - 1969 Chevrolet C/10 SWB fleetside (SOLD) - 2000 Ford Mustang 232 (DD) - 2003 Ford SVT Cobra "Terminator" 281 (Once in a blue moon driver/weekend driver)

02-09-2011, 12:40 PM	#19
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release I used a cable from Watsons Street works....Part number #CC-UB10 http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/cable_releases.html __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-09-2011, 01:43 PM	#20
treveiger Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: South Dakota Posts: 4,110	Re: In cab hood release ss __________________ 1969 Chevy c20(Miss Hackjob)



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

02-11-2011, 11:04 AM	#21
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release Hey LuvLegs, I went out to the garage last night and tried to unlatch my hood release and it appears to be having the same problem as yours. I put it together when it was warm but it's been very cold lately and now it's not working. This morning I ordered a lever style cable from Watsons. I will let you know if it solves the problem. __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-11-2011, 12:45 PM	#22
Luvlegs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Posts: 1,537	Re: In cab hood release I bought a 8' "solid" core pull at tractor supply. It's smooth and all works when the hood is up. I took the hood pin out and cleaned it very nicely, even a small dallop of grease on the back. No luck. I'm thinking the solenoid popper is the way to go (before I throw myself on my back when my hands slip off!). I made sure to keep nice sweeps in the line, no kinks or close turns. I'm thinking about taking the big spring out and putting a fatter one on where the little on is.. just want it to be safe though. __________________ "A cat will almost always blink when hit between the eyes with a ball peen hammer" (you don't always have to state the obvious) Wear your PPE! You can eat with false teeth but you can't see with a false eye. 1959 Studebaker Silverhawk 350/400 1972 C10 L6 3OTT 2005 F350 - Built - whew!

02-11-2011, 12:49 PM	#23
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release The guy on the phone at Watsons suggested putting a spring on the latch to provide some preload so that the pull isn't so hard....don't know how I'd do that though.... __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

02-15-2011, 02:55 PM	#24
Lemield Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Arvada Colorado Posts: 1,321	Re: In cab hood release Ok...I ordered a new lever type cable from Watson's last Friday. This past weekend, I took the hood release apart, put some cable lube in the cable and lubed up the latch itself. I also noticed that the hole in the lever that I added to the latch didn't line up very well with the upright part that I built...so I drilled a new hole. I also shortened the cable a bit. I also relaxed the tension on the spring a little bit. It is now working pretty smoothly. I will keep the new cable and use it when this one breaks or quits working. __________________ Larry 1949 Willys CJ2A, Kubota Turbo Diesel engine, Warn Overdrive, 11 inch brakes, 12volt, Warn M8000 Winch "Little Green" 1970 Rustoleum Roller Red C20 Custom Camper 454 TH400 "Big Red" 1971 K20 6.2 Turbo Diesel 4x4 4spd Ranger Overdrive "Pumpkin Wagon" 2005 VW Beetle Diesel 44+ MPG "Silver Bullet"

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.