VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION General Discussions 31 Chevy Hood Latch

Recent purchase of a 1931 Chevrolet Independence. The four spring loaded hood latches will not stretch far enough to secure the hood. The play when stretched is only a 1/2 inch at best. Are they defective or need I insert spacers on under the latch mechanisms to bring the height up enough to secure? It will require 3/4 to 1 inch on all of them in order to latch. I found replacements but rather expensive @ $150 per set of four.

Ted

There should be a hole in the tube section where you can put a few drops of oil or penetrating fluid. Working them after application should result in increasing movement.

No hole but I did attempt to add oil into the chamber from below to no avail. It moves easier but the range of movement still less then an inch in total.

A picture of your latch as you attempt to close the hood might give us some indication of what's wrong. If a VCCA Member you can post the picture right here, if not, you can provide a link to the picture on Dropbox or similar.

Could someone have changed the hood latches and used the wrong ones?

All the Best, Chip

Hopefully these will help you. From my 31:


The scribe is pointing to the oil hole referenced.

Safe assumption the latches were traded out some time ago and the ones on the car are too short or incorrect. Looks as if I can swap out the bottom gaskets for thicker 3/4 inch thick alternatives and the problem should be resolved. Not correct perhaps but it's a driver only and no illusions of it every being a judged show car.

Sometimes it is best to make do. Functionality trumps other options unless it is a trailer or garage queen.

Really appreciate your assist. Much appreciated!

Ted