The Ford Barn

Kube · 03-07-2016, 05:13 PM

I have heard of guys that install an "extra" hood release cable on the '47 - '48 Fords. The idea being if the cable operated from within the car breaks, there is a way to open the hood without too much "surgery".
As you guys with these cars know, one can't simply reach up from beneath the car and "pop" the hood.
So, what say you? Just how have you guys accomplished this "extra" release installation?

Thanks.

oldford2 · 03-07-2016, 05:44 PM

Well, Just in case. I fooled around to see how I could unlock it when closed. I used a thin (1/16") piece of medal and after many tries was able to push the latch open. I had to keep opening the hood to visualize where to push. Bob (Supereal) long ago posted on an extra cable he attached and I believe it hung down behind the front wheel???? Maybe he will chime in.
John

42guy · 03-07-2016, 07:37 PM

Kube and John,
I did the same thing you are talking about. I used about 14 gage wire, not electrical, more like bailing wire. Ran it down from latch and used a decent sized washer to pull the wire. It doesn't hang below the radiator.
Mine broke once but there was enough left
so as to grab it with vice grips.
Hope this helps,
Dick

Bob T · 03-07-2016, 08:59 PM

Did it on my 47 Ford and my 51 Merc. I have the wire exit through the splash shield above and in front of the front tire.I made a loop so I had something to pull on if necessary.

51 MERC-CT · 03-08-2016, 11:34 AM

Posted this for '49-'51 Merc's a while back but the same principles could apply.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162418

woodiewagon46 · 03-08-2016, 03:51 PM

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I used the same method that oldford used when the body shop that painted my car closed the hood with out the cable attached. I used a piece of 18 ga. sheet metal 1" x 12" covered with blue tape and pushed on the latch. I now keep it in the tool box I carry when I am on the road.

Old Henry · 03-08-2016, 03:54 PM

All good info. I'll definitely be rigging one on Old Henry "just in case".

Kube · 03-08-2016, 04:58 PM

Thanks for the wonderful ideas...I am just putting the final touches on a body off restoration of a 47 coupe. I will hide the extra cable as best I am able.

1942deluxe · 03-08-2016, 05:14 PM

Kube, when you are done I hope you post pictures. When I've seen pictures of your previous work I had hoped you might migrate to the 46-48's. Your work is an inspiration to say the least.

Seth Swoboda · 03-08-2016, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kube

Thanks for the wonderful ideas...I am just putting the final touches on a body off restoration of a 47 coupe. I will hide the extra cable as best I am able.

Yes, please post photos of the '47 coupe when ready. I have a '46 3 passenger coupe project to start on some time.

03-07-2016, 05:13 PM	#1
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,023	"Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford I have heard of guys that install an "extra" hood release cable on the '47 - '48 Fords. The idea being if the cable operated from within the car breaks, there is a way to open the hood without too much "surgery". As you guys with these cars know, one can't simply reach up from beneath the car and "pop" the hood. So, what say you? Just how have you guys accomplished this "extra" release installation? Thanks. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

03-07-2016, 05:44 PM	#2
oldford2 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: pittsfield, MA Posts: 2,086	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Well, Just in case. I fooled around to see how I could unlock it when closed. I used a thin (1/16") piece of medal and after many tries was able to push the latch open. I had to keep opening the hood to visualize where to push. Bob (Supereal) long ago posted on an extra cable he attached and I believe it hung down behind the front wheel???? Maybe he will chime in. John

03-07-2016, 07:37 PM	#3
42guy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New York State Posts: 289	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Kube and John, I did the same thing you are talking about. I used about 14 gage wire, not electrical, more like bailing wire. Ran it down from latch and used a decent sized washer to pull the wire. It doesn't hang below the radiator. Mine broke once but there was enough left so as to grab it with vice grips. Hope this helps, Dick

03-07-2016, 08:59 PM	#4
Bob T Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 123	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Did it on my 47 Ford and my 51 Merc. I have the wire exit through the splash shield above and in front of the front tire.I made a loop so I had something to pull on if necessary.

03-08-2016, 11:34 AM	#5
51 MERC-CT Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Hartford, Ct Posts: 5,898	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Posted this for '49-'51 Merc's a while back but the same principles could apply. http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162418 __________________ DON'T RECALL DOING SOMETHING FOR MYSELF BASED ON SOMEONE ELSE'S LIKES OR DISLIKES

03-08-2016, 03:51 PM	#6
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,557	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I used the same method that oldford used when the body shop that painted my car closed the hood with out the cable attached. I used a piece of 18 ga. sheet metal 1" x 12" covered with blue tape and pushed on the latch. I now keep it in the tool box I carry when I am on the road.

03-08-2016, 03:54 PM	#7
Old Henry Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Orem, Utah Posts: 5,762	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford All good info. I'll definitely be rigging one on Old Henry "just in case". __________________ Prof. Henry (The Roaming Gnome) "It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” *Ursula K. Le Guin in The Left Hand of Darkness

03-08-2016, 04:58 PM	#8
Kube Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 9,023	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Thanks for the wonderful ideas...I am just putting the final touches on a body off restoration of a 47 coupe. I will hide the extra cable as best I am able. __________________ "I can explain it for you. However, I can't understand it for you".

03-08-2016, 05:14 PM	#9
1942deluxe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Albion, PA Posts: 718	Re: "Extra" hood release cable '47 - '48 Ford Kube, when you are done I hope you post pictures. When I've seen pictures of your previous work I had hoped you might migrate to the 46-48's. Your work is an inspiration to say the least.