40 Deluxe hood latch weakness explored

[Newc]

I gathered three examples of the now out- of production '40 hood latch assemblies and found an obvious difference in the internal casting strengths. These commonly break when the latch handle is used to raise the hood. The internal casting area around the front bolt boss is shorter in my repro examples, vs an apparent FORD original. Photos demonstrate this condition. trying to save 1 oz of case metal in the repros? Your thoughts? Out of production now for 5 yrs ? Can you see the difference? Center photo is correct strength. Crack is marked w sharpie. Newc

 

[HDowse]

Yes, I see the difference and recall clearly when I first looked over my 40 Fordor that the owner cautioned me never to lift the hood with the release handle. Now I can see why…

 

[petehoovie]

I gathered three examples of the now out- of production '40 hood latch assemblies and found an obvious difference in the internal casting strengths. These commonly break when the latch handle is used to raise the hood. The internal casting area around the front bolt boss is shorter in my repro examples, vs an apparent FORD original. Photos demonstrate this condition. trying to save 1 oz of case metal in the repros? Your thoughts? Out of production now for 5 yrs ? Can you see the difference? Center photo is correct strength. Crack is marked w sharpie. Newc

 

[Newc]

Surprise! Drake has them in the newest catalog- $400 @ after 5 years ? Newc