How are the hood latches attached to the body?

LJDC

LJDC

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For reasons passing understanding, I attempted to remove (temporarily) the hood latches from the body/fenders. The first nut was a bit seized, but it turned when I cranked on it. I wasn’t so lucky for the second.

Now the bolt sort of spins. What holds the bolt in place, inside the hinge? It sounds like whatever rubber or plastic piece it is holds for a second and then turns.

Can the body-side hinge be disassembled without destroying it? I’m trying to figure out how to hold the bolt in place to remove it or even tighten it again. I’d take either.

IMG_3331.jpeg
 
LONGJP2 said:
What does the top of the bolt look like if you remove the rubber?
Click to expand...

Flat
Cant get to it without cutting off the entire rubber latch or the base that holds it. Its a crappy design IMO

Hard to even grab with channel locks or vice grips. I have pics somewhere of what a pain in the ass it was
 
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If I cut off the latch mechanism and can extract the bolt, what’s the best replacement latch? I don’t need or want anything flashy.
 
tr21triton said:
I guess you thought I was joking. super glue the head of that stud. after it sets up tighten the nut about a turn and spray with kroil and loosen. it's worth a try and if it doesn't work your out nothing but a few minutes of time
Click to expand...

Initially I did think you were joking. But I’m going to try it before I tear the thing apart.

I also ordered some replacements. They’re cheap, and even if the superglue works now (which I hope it does, so I don’t need to extract the bolt with a drill), it’s the right time for new ones. Thanks!
 
tr21triton said:
spray the threads with a lube, like I said I would tighten it a little respray and work it off .
Click to expand...

I tried Kroil yesterday, but I plan to try it again this weekend with the glue. I’ll also have new latches by then.
 
WestCoastDan said:
Do yourself a huge favor and just remove the original latches by any means necessary, then replace them w/ aftermarket units.
Click to expand...

Indeed, the new latches are already on their way. I'm kinda hoping the superglue trick will work, so I don't need to use a bolt extractor.
 
My fiasco just a month or so ago
I angle grinded them, and then chiseled
New ones installed with antiseize

After done, I recoated the base with Rustoleum Pro
In retrospect, I am probably swappin them again to metal

RsXBdzD.jpg


PeMZVWh.jpg
 
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LJDC said:
For reasons passing understanding, I attempted to remove (temporarily) the hood latches from the body/fenders. The first nut was a bit seized, but it turned when I cranked on it. I wasn’t so lucky for the second.

Now the bolt sort of spins. What holds the bolt in place, inside the hinge? It sounds like whatever rubber or plastic piece it is holds for a second and then turns.

Can the body-side hinge be disassembled without destroying it? I’m trying to figure out how to hold the bolt in place to remove it or even tighten it again. I’d take either.

View attachment 463103
Click to expand...

Mine did the same thing on one side. I was able to hold backup on the bolt by shoving a flat head screwdriver into it.
 
In the end, I had to totally destroy the old latch to remove it. (I liked the epoxy idea, but I tried it twice, and it didn’t hold.) My bolt extractor rounded off, but I was eventually able to cut away enough plastic to get vice grips on the top of the bolt. What a crazy design.
 
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