Photo needed of Hood Latch 1972 Blazer

[Tbruz]

My hood stopped popping up when I press the hood latch.
Thinking a spring belongs somewhere and I would like to compare a working latch to mine
I need a photo of the hood latch on the radiator support and on the hood side for a 1972 Blazer.
Thanks in advance
Tbruz

[truckster]

I didn't see this until after it got dark (I was working on the 79 Camaro with my son) but if there's not a reply by tomorrow morning I'll take a picture and post it. Is it the view from the top you need?

[Tbruz]

Thanks, Need one pic; hood side(latch pin side) showing the pin that fits into the latch on radiator support; need to see if there is a spring there or not.
A second pic looking into the latch mechanism on the radiator support would be appreciated as well.
Thanks again.


Does your hood "pop" up a bit when you first unlatch it or do you have to gently pry it up with your finger tips to get under the leading edge?
Tony

[Firebirdjones]

Tbruz, I have to do just as you described with mine, pull the latch and then stick my fingers under the leading edge and pry it up. It doesn't jump up like every other car I have here.

No spring on mine anywhere that I can see, but I sure wish it had one. I never really thought to look into it but I'd have to believe there should be one.

[truckster]

I think this is what you're looking for. If not, let me know, and I'll try to get it for you.

[Firebirdjones]

Yep, just looked at mine. It's identical to that, no spring anywhere.

[Tbruz]

Thanks Truckster those are the exact shots I was hoping for.

Does seem like there should have been a spring on the hood side to help with the "initial lift" ,if you will, of the hood.
Seeing these photos I no longer think anything is missing, just maybe got misaligned somehow.
Thanks again
Tbruz

[Firebirdjones]

I agree, should be a spring there in my opinion, especially on a giant heavy truck hood like this.

I'm not so sure what GM was thinking, I mean even my 70 formula with it's factory fiberglass hood has a "pop up" spring on it.

My 79 pickup truck has a "pop up" spring on it. Not sure why GM didn't put it on a 72 blazer....

[briank]

You guys got me thinking about mine. Seems like mine pop up, I have four of them Ill check tomorrow.
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[Firebirdjones]

Thanks Brian, I've always wondered about it myself but never thought to ask.

I'm glad Tbruz brought it up.

If there ever was a spring on these things there might be a good chance of finding one if you have 4 to look at

[Jdubs71]

Does anyone know if you were to tac a heavy enough spring here it would assist in lifting the hood enough to where you could get your hand under and open it easier. I mean I like the anti theft option of having no hood springs and a heavy hood, but I would rather it be easier to open.

[Tbruz]

I think all you'd need is a large 1.5 to 2 inch cup type washer on the bottom of a 1.5 to 3 inch tall spring.
Sandwich the open end of the spring on the underside of the hood and seat the cup washer on the top of the "top shaped" insert that fits into the latch
Closed hood keep this spring set up in compression, unlatching the hood realeases the spring and you should have enough of a gap to get your fingers in.

Tbruz

[Bentblazer]

Maybe check the distance from the 4 bolt flange to back side of cone, mine was 1-1/8" also check hood bumpers are adjusted. Mine pops up rather hard (with no spring) to the safety catch

[29od1]

I think the spring should actually sit on the bottom support attached to the grill. If you look at the photo, there are 4 holes around the edge of the hole. One is for the bent end of the spring to sit in and the one opposite of it is for a small screw/washer combo to hold the spring down.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by 29od1

I think the spring should actually sit on the bottom support attached to the grill. If you look at the photo, there are 4 holes around the edge of the hole. One is for the bent end of the spring to sit in and the one opposite of it is for a small screw/washer combo to hold the spring down.

Those were exactly my thoughts. My bottom support on the core support has those same holes and appears a spring would have sat there. Whether GM put one on or not I'm not sure. So far it seems no one has come forward with a 72 and an actual spring yet.

I've tried adjusting the rubber bumpers, any higher and the hood won't shut correctly and line up with the tops of the fenders.

[DANTES JIMMY]

I am pretty sure it is all in the hood hinges and spring

[john]

Adjust your hood bumpers up a bit tighter, and see if that does it. Mine pops up fine with no spring. Never seen a spring on a stock truck latch. If that doesn't work adjust the latch stud up so it loads it up somewhat.

[Firebirdjones]

Originally Posted by john

Adjust your hood bumpers up a bit tighter, and see if that does it. Mine pops up fine with no spring. Never seen a spring on a stock truck latch. If that doesn't work adjust the latch stud up so it loads it up somewhat.

I guess you mean the 67-72 model years when you say that? My 79 pickup has a spring. I never really thought to pay attention to any 72 and older trucks that I've seen so I guess the original question had me wondering if they were really produced this way.

I'm pretty much all out of adjustment ideas on mine. The rubber stoppers are up to the point where any higher and the hood will sit higher than the fenders. I've adjusted the latch stud to a point that you literally have to slam the hood to get it to latch, sometimes it even takes me 2-3 tries, and I still have to pry that thing open with my fingers. I really don't like slamming that thing so I'm probably going back to an easier setting. It definately needs a spring.

[Bentblazer]

I'm pretty sure that there were no springs on these models, I believe Dantes Jimmy and John are correct about the hinges, springs, and latch stud. Maybe springs are weak or worn rivits in hinge.

[72 paul]

tbruz,get a hold of Frank _ Pickmup_ hes got just what you need. ineed one too, but gonna wait till another part is done to order.

[72 paul]

they never did come with a spring.

[Firebirdjones]

In my spare time I'll a adapt a spring from my spare parts cars and make it look stock. Won't take much time. I'll make a post when it's done.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by 72 paul

tbruz,get a hold of Frank _ Pickmup_ hes got just what you need. ineed one too, but gonna wait till another part is done to order.

X2, remember seeing it in the classifieds. Looked like it would solve the problem

[29od1]

I haven't tried it, but 2nd gen Camaros have a similar latch pin and there is a spring that is integral to them. It may need a small amount of modifying, but might be worth a try if you happen to have one setting around.

Website for images of Camaro latch assy.

http://www.apiem.com/camaro/BumpersGrille20091222.asp

[briank]

I just checked my various blazers and they pop up when you initially unlatch the hood. Some better than others but my 1969 works the best, it allows me to het my hand under the hood to lift it, no prying it up.
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