gavanm01

Was ready to start up the '59 when I discovered my passenger side hood latch would not disengage the hood. The cable does NOT pull out in the cockpit--even with vise grips for strength. Was able to get the driver side to pop using my emergency hood cable coming through to the wheel well. but no-go on the passenger side. I can't even see a way up from underneath to manually trip the latch. There must be a way to pop the passenger side but it escapes me. Looking for some advice from someone who has "been there, done that, and got the t-shirt."

6D2148

Did you try having someone push down on hood while you pull the cable?
Chip

gavanm01

Will give that a go. First, I have to get the cable to move. Will give it a shot of oil where I can.

65GGvert

Cable may be already extended and won't push in because the latch is in a bind. Try having someone on each back corner of the hood press down alternately while you push and pull the cable.

Pilot Dan

In 59, there were 2 different styles of hood latches. The first design was an interference fit pin. They then changed to the later swing lever style with a spring latch.
Most 59's I have seen have the first design (even my very late 59 has those). If that's what you have, the best way to get it open is to hook it from the bottom with a rigid wire and pull DOWN hard while someone tries to pull up from the top. Pushing down on the hood with the early style latch is not going to help

gavanm01

I have the early style latch and was able to trip the driver side open but can't see the passenger side. Have done everything but call the local parish priest for an exorcism. Thinking next of cutting through the fender well unless someone has a better solution.

gavanm01

Can you send me a photo of your engine bay on the passenger side? I'm thinking if I can somehow cut through the cold air tunnel running along side of the fender well that I might be able to access the latch. My other two thoughts are to cut through the fender well or go through somewhere under the dash--maybe the air tunnel? Don't know what's in there.