Wacky trunk latch issues

rennch · rennch's Garage

Hi all,

If I hit a bump on the highway, or go over a speedbump, my hood/trunk springs open. I don't know much about body adjustments, or even if it's possible to adjust that situation away. Should I look for a new hood latch, or is there something I can do to adjust?

Thanks all!

KevinP73 · 01-13-2005, 01:35 PM

Thats the million dollar question. If you ever find a solution to this problem you could be a rich man.

RoninLB · 01-13-2005, 02:07 PM

I'd try installing a pick or correct size nail into the hole on the latch body and latch. Fill out the hole as much as possible, not a too thin nail. Then adjust the cable to this. Then make sure the male is adjusted to enter it centered.

for saftey I'd install a temp back up cable in case the adjustment gets screwed up.

rennch · rennch's Garage

Really?? This happens to others?

rennch · rennch's Garage

How do I adjust it? Is it the set screw on the wire?
Or do I have to disassemble?

RoninLB · 01-13-2005, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by emptyo

How do I adjust it? Is it the set screw on the wire?

yes.. don't forget the back-up cable.

Todd Simpson · 01-13-2005, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Really?? This happens to others?

Yep. Gets you black flagged too.

Check out the latch first. When in the closed position, does the slider move all the way over?

The pin on the hood is adjustable in every direction. Check that it's centered and try lengthening it a little. It'll go a little deeper and catch better, you'll need to loosen the big lock nut first, then unscrew at the tip.

rennch · rennch's Garage

Cool, good advice. Thanks!

Elombard · 01-13-2005, 07:10 PM

I had a problem with this recently and I think it stemmed from the pin being screwed in too far. This gave the spring alot of pressure and caused it to push the pin out of the latch over bumps. So dont screw the pin in too far. I think this is common with people trying to get the trunk to look closed all the way when lining up the body panels. It turns out on the early cars if you take the front bumper off you can see the bottom of the latch and kind of eye ball how things look from inside the trunk. Also if it gets stuck closed you can get it open easier.