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Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:35 am
by mousecat
Hello all, I've been gone for a while off this site, but I found the truck I've been wanting and I'm ready to get back to the fun!
I bought a 61 D100 today, that, needless to say, will be a project, and then some. I know the motor is no good and I plan on replacing the slant 6 with a 318 anyway, but....
After I got it home, off the tow truck and started to look it over, I tried and tried for about a half an hour but I can't get the hood open, the release is moving just fine, but it's just not popping open.
This truck has been sitting in a field for ten years, but I can't remember what the hood release looks like and figured this was the best place to look for help.
Any suggestions you have would be extremely appreciated.
Thanks much.
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 5:13 am
by ozzie
you might try pushing down on the front of the hood while pulling the hood release.ozzie
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 10:55 am
by WD
Mine does that to me a lot. I usually resort to prying the first stage with a piece of 2x4, then the second stage it releases and opens like it is supposed to. Needs grease somewhere, and adjusting... I guess I know why most 68 and 69 trucks have "smiling" grille top bars...
Once you get the hood unlatched and working, start spraying the latch with some lube. Amazing how much crud comes out...
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 12:43 pm
by soopernaut
If I remember correctly, the earlier trucks didn't have the catch so there is only one step to the hood release.
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 1:25 pm
by theregularguy
sometimes mine does this also. try smacking it with your hand as you pull the handle. not like the hulk does just a love tap. you know these old dodges need a lil love every now and then. it just show them who is boss.

Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 1:45 pm
by mousecat
One step down, got it open!! Wow, looks like an entire town of spiders has taken up residents under this hood.
There were two steps to the latch, and the second step was frozen shut, a little WD-40, and I'd moves great now. But the spring broke in the process. Minor details. Got to find a nice build able 318 to drop in! Then the suspension, interior, bed, body. Lots of work ahead! Can't wait!!
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 9:23 pm
by Txas2step
As a fellow '61 Dart owner...welcome back. Best 2 U on your restoration...lets see some pictures.Chris.
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 10:48 am
by mousecat
Hopefully this works, I'm trying to get the first picture up.
As things progress I will post more, but it will probobly be o slow process!!!
Re: Hood won't open
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 11:45 am
by Hobcobble
mousecat wrote:Hopefully this works, I'm trying to get the first picture up.
As things progress I will post more, but it will probobly be o slow process!!!
Yeah Buddy!! I dig those egg-crate grilles. Great looking Dart D100.
John