[DeTomaso] Front hood latch hard to close

[ProvaMo.com]

My 2 pence:

There are several (two or more) versions of the latch assembly (the body
side) for '71-74 cars, which was first pointed out to me by somebody I now
forget, but he nicely sent me a photo of "the other style", which was an
earlier style than my late 72.  One spring attempts to bring back the latch
to the locked position.  The other spring attempts to return the cable.
On my version (Do you need photos, or can you look at yours?)
the two mounting studs are fixed to the body piece, and the assembly is
fitted and nuts are added last.  This version has little or no up/down
adjustment.  Mine has a little, and I've used what I've got.  One could slot
the hole more to add adjustment.  (Assembly moved up makes the latch close
earlier.)

The problem this first chap had was the bracket that holds the assembly to
the body was bent down a little and he could not get a latch without
excessive force.  If you have an early 72 or 71 car, this may also be "you".
He added a "L" support to keep the body-side support that holds the latch
from springing down as he pushed the hood closed.

The later style has a slightly stronger mount to the body and seems not to
flex so much.

If you have added new/fresh front trunk (boot or bonnet ???) gasket you may
be making it worse if it is not seated fully.  Could this be the case?

Don't tell your young kid, but Playdough can be used to see where parts
contact first, if something is getting in the way.

Things to consider anyway.

Cheers!

Chuck Melton



-----Original Message-----
From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On
Behalf Of Matt
Sent: Wednesday, July 09, 2008 6:50 PM
To: detomaso at realbig.com
Subject: [DeTomaso] Front hood latch hard to close

Hey all,
Can anybody tell me how to reduce the force required to latch the front
hood? I always have to give it a hefty two handed push down to get it to
engage. Looking at the mechanism I see two return springs,neither of which
seemingly have little to do with it. I tried lube but no help and the hood
side prong seems to be adjusted down to the max.
It latches and opens ok but I feel like I'm giving CPR to an elephant. Must
be some internal spring in there?
Suggestions?
Thanks folks,
Matt Wells
3584
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