Hood latch tool

[Erik Barrett]

We are putting a 1913 back together after clutch replacement. Facing the dreaded hood latch installation, my friend Michael had an idea for a tool to assist, and a great one it was! He made it out of a $10 pair of Harbor Freight vise grips and a flat washer. About five minutes later, all the latches were in. Even the one right next to the carburetor was a breeze. I did the rear ones from underneath.

[DanTreace]

Clever tool!

Yep, those hood latches are a bit of a struggle.

So I just used plastic wire ties, they compressed the spring, placed the hood latch.

Then, with the help of micro hemostats, griped the washer and cotter, slipped up the washer and cotter pinned the assembly.

Finally, cut the wire tie to free the spring to do its work.

Worked out real nice

[George House]

What a good idea Erik thanks for sharing it

[Allan]

The difficulty is largely caused by the ridiculously strong springs sold for the job. I ditched them in favour of some far less aggressive ones from a spring selection kit. These are much gentler on the hood, especially the alloy hoods on early cars.

Allan from down under.

[speedytinc]

If you use AN washers, as per original type, The latches are assembled to the hood shelves, then installed as a unit.
No contorting to work within the frame rails.

[Erik Johnson]

Like Allen Down Under, my father and I installed lighter springs on our latches so there is less tension.