C4 hood latch question

[Chuck R.]

My buddy has an 86 that he just got back from the body shop after extensive front end repairs and paint.

Unfortunately, he got shafted and got the car back missing a ton of pieces one of which is the hood latch handle and cable assemblies.

Yup, during the process of checking out what he needs to replace, the hood got latched on the passengers side.

He's asked for my help but I haven't a clue as how to "quickly" pop the latch.

Any words of wisdom so I don't chase my tail too much on this?

Thanks, Chuck

[Pat M.]

Re: C4 hood latch question

Chuck, I don't know how to do it, but I have a pamphlet from Gordon Killebrew in which he claims he designed a tool to open stuck C4s hoods that was used at the Corvette plant. He claims you'll otherwise spend about 3 hours removing and reinstalling parts to get it open.

The tool is listed at $20. I've not used it and don't know if it works. But you might wanna give him a try at (the last numbers I have):

1-615-654-2864, or 1-800-F-Y-VETTE.

Good luck, and let us know the outcome.

[Chuck R.]

Re: C4 hood latch question

Hi Pat,

I breezed through one of my supplier books and found the "emergency hood opening tool" like what you described.

I pulled the steel frame out of one of those cheapy roadside advetizing signs we all see stuck in the grass and fabbed up three different sized copies. The steel diameter is far heavier than what a coat hanger could offer and should be a tad more stout when tugged on.

I'll be getting into it in about an hour so I'll report back if this cobbed up tool is a keeper or not.

Thanks for the hit back Pat, I appreciate it,

Chuck