[C1] Installing door solenoids on my 57 hood releases
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Installing door solenoids on my 57 hood releases
I mentioned before that I was unhappy with the quality of the aftermarket hood pull lever and cables ( Down the drain ) on my 57 and wanted to install electric door solenoids to pop the hood . Well the time has come because the hood latch just froze up and won't pull at all . I ordered the kit from Summit Racing ( $118.75 ) which includes two AutoLoc Pro series solenoids with mounting brackets , relays , two push buttons ,cables , hardware , and two door remotes . I won't need the remotes and one of the release buttons but I plan to mount a solenoid inside under the dash on each side and connect them to the same button on the drivers side . The cables will go straight through the original holes in the firewall to the latches . If the battery ever fails I will be able to just reach under the dash on each side and pull the cables to get at the battery . Looks like a pretty simple improvement to go along with all of the updates that I have done to the car .
#2
Le Mans Master
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That’s cool, post some pictures and tell us how they work once installed.
#3
Le Mans Master
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#4
Le Mans Master
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I received the parts kit yesterday from Summit so I can start the conversion today . Should be fun. Amazing how good Summit is , I ordered in late evening and it was here mid day the next day. I always get great service from them and rate them AAA+
#6
Le Mans Master
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I hope the solenoids are strong enough to pull the latch open as the springs are rather strong and the resistance of the pin to the latch must be overcome. I tried some cheap door kits that couldn't do it. Luckily, I put a hidden cable to manually open them.
Let us know how it works out.
Let us know how it works out.
#7
Le Mans Master
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I’ve been buying from Summit since the mid-1980’s and I agree, they are awesome! I’m having similar picture posting issues, but every once and awhile one will go through. Keep trying!
#8
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I've been working on fabricating some brackets for under the dash next to where the cable will go through the firewall . I'm taking pictures and if I can figure out how to get them to the forum I will be glad to share them and any information . The power in the solenoids should be plenty. They are rated at 35 to 50 pounds and the pull force needed right at the latches is very little . It seems like more when going through the original double cable .
#9
Le Mans Master
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#10
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '07
I will give all of the information as soon as I finish and make sure the solenoids have enough power . The part number that I bought is supposed to have enough power to open the heaviest doors , even with rusty hinges . It is a better company than the ones offered on ebay ( China ) which they say will burn out if the hinges develop any rust . We will see. I'm counting on Summit to handle the good ones .
Bill
#11
Race Director
Upload your pics there.
Click on an uploaded thumbnai picl and the pic will open up.
Click on the Copy tab to the right of the open pic.
Paste the URL in your post and type [img] before the URL, and [/img] after the URL.
Doug
#12
Le Mans Master
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#13
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Open a free account at www.imgur.com
Upload your pics there.
Click on an uploaded thumbnai picl and the pic will open up.
Click on the Copy tab to the right of the open pic.
Paste the URL in your post and type [img] before the URL, and after the URL.
Doug
Upload your pics there.
Click on an uploaded thumbnai picl and the pic will open up.
Click on the Copy tab to the right of the open pic.
Paste the URL in your post and type [img] before the URL, and after the URL.
Doug
#14
#15
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
OK , Everything is going well . I fabricated brackets and mounted the solenoids , one on each side next to the firewall inside with an adjustable 1/8 inch threaded rod running out to the latch arm . I replaced the bolts that hold the latches with longer ones and bolted the new brackets to the same bolts . I put a 1/8 inch hole in the end of the latch arm so I can put adjustable equalizer springs that will pull down on the latch arms to lessen the load on the solenoids . That should lessen the strength of the original springs and make the solenoids last longer . All that is left is to wire everything to the relays and activator button . I'll be working on that next week . I'm taking pictures of everything and will be glad to share when it is done . BJ
#16
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '15
OK , Everything is going well . I fabricated brackets and mounted the solenoids , one on each side next to the firewall inside with an adjustable 1/8 inch threaded rod running out to the latch arm . I replaced the bolts that hold the latches with longer ones and bolted the new brackets to the same bolts . I put a 1/8 inch hole in the end of the latch arm so I can put adjustable equalizer springs that will pull down on the latch arms to lessen the load on the solenoids . That should lessen the strength of the original springs and make the solenoids last longer . All that is left is to wire everything to the relays and activator button . I'll be working on that next week . I'm taking pictures of everything and will be glad to share when it is done . BJ
#18
Le Mans Master
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#19
Le Mans Master
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The video is actually easier as you can upload it to YouTube and then copy and paste the link to this thread. For example (as I post gratuitous link to walk around video of 1988 LR Defender with LS engine I built):
#20
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Wow , I can fabricate anything but it looks like I have a lot to learn about pictures and videos . I guess I'll have to buy a video camera . We will see if you can teach an old dog a new trick ! Thanks for that .