Hood latch

[AZPete]

I wanted hidden hood latches to go with the Zero-db hood hinges so I mounted two "Bear Jaw" latches from Speedway and then made two 1/2-inch male latches epoxied to the inside of the hood. The female latches connect by wires to a toggle on the hood support at the middle so a cable to the cockpit releases both latches when pulled. I hooked up the release cable before I closed the hood! Closing the hood without a way to open it is what I normally would do, so I must actually be getting smarter! I was really pleased that the hood latches worked so when my wife came out to the garage I showed her what I had accomplished. "Doesn't every car have that?"

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/hood%20latches%20female.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/hood%20latches%20female.jpg.html)

Here are the male latches on the hood
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/hood%20latches%20male.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/hood%20latches%20male.jpg.html):

[Solidworks-Mike]

I wanted hidden hood latches to go with the Zero-db hood hinges so I mounted two "Bear Jaw" latches from Speedway and then made two 1/2-inch male latches epoxied to the inside of he hood. The female latches connect by wires to a toggle on the hood support at the middle so a cable to the cockpit releases both latches when pulled. I hooked up the release cable before I closed the hood! Closing the hood without a way to open it is what I normally would do, so I must actually be getting smarter! I was really pleased that the hood latches worked so when my wife came out to the garage I showed her what I had accomplished. "Doesn't every car have that?"

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/hood%20latches%20female.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/hood%20latches%20female.jpg.html)

Here are the male latches on the hood
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb180/AZPeteCobra/hood%20latches%20male.jpg (http://s210.photobucket.com/user/AZPeteCobra/media/hood%20latches%20male.jpg.html):

Can you post a link to the latches you used?

[bompus]

Very impressive. I would have tested it before hooking up the cable, and then comedy would follow :)

[wirenut]

Very Slick!

[RM1SepEx]

Nice job Pete! Did you order the FFR wiper arm?

[AZPete]

No, Dan, the hood support shown in this photo in the middle of the car holds the hood up enough to clear the donor wiper arm so I don't need the FFR wiper arm. I clamped the support at several different heights to find the point at which the hood clears the wiper arm, then bolted the support to the frame. Now I don't have to cut the hood and the two hidden latches pull the sides of the hood down to meet the fenders. It looks good and works well but soon I'll get the new front fenders and nose, then adjust it all again. It feels good not to have the hood held down with duct tape!

[AZPete]

Mike, you asked for a link to the latches I used:
[URL="http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Slim-Line-Bear-Jaw-Door-Latch,2268.html"]

I see now that Speedway also has mounting plates for these latches. I just made my own plates since they re just flat plates with a few holes.
And, they have a bigger Bear Jaw latch you might want to look at. Or, probably other places have these latches. As always, rethink everything.

[Solidworks-Mike]

Thanks. I also found these that I might give a try:

http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/latches-hinges/door-latches/gator-jaw-latches