'34 Ford Hood Latch

[tomkc1]

The latch on my hood (the one closest to the firewall on the passenger side) is frozen in place and won't move down that 1/2 inch or so. It doesn't move at all. I can't figure out if somehow it broke or its so tight that I can't move it but I've put a lot of pressure on it so I suspect that it might have broken.
Anyone have any ideas as to how to release it?
As always, thanks.
Tom

 

[JimG]

There are two versions of this latch - early and late. This thread describes them. I have the early style. Hard to see what could be binding it if the spring broke on the early style. Which style do you have?


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283240&highlight=34+hood+latch

 

[tomkc1]

Jim, I have the later version, the spring is inside. Should the springs be lubricated, by the way? Do they break and thus make it impossible to move the latch?
Tom

 

[mercman from oz]

Here is a photo of the two styles of Hood Latch. The one on the left with the exposed spring is the early issue. Hope that this helps.

 

[tomkc1]

No other suggestions, guys? We've determined that its the newer style. I'd like to be able to open that side of the hood since I have to get to the starter wire.
Tom

 

[koates]

Sometimes these latches are a bit hard and you have to give them a bloody good shove downwards. Dont be gentle, lean on it like you dont like it. Regards. Kevin.

 

[JimG]

It's a spring loaded lever. I don't know what else to suggest other than brute force.

 

[tomkc1]

Thank you Jim. Brute force did it. Actually I pried it down with a screw driver.
It was tough. Thanks again. Tom

 

[JimG]

A longer lever! Archimedes would be proud! Did you figure out why it was sticking?

 

[tomkc1]

Not yet, but I will. Thank's again.