DIY: How to make a hood latch lock for a TJ

JonnyJeep

New Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2021
Messages
3
Location
Arizona
After researching and testing the limited options for TJ hood locks and not finding a good solution, thought I’d share what I ended up making as it’s pretty solid and relatively cheap to make.

Supplies needed:
Welder
Angle grinder
Sand paper
Crescent wrench

1/2” metal bar (Home Depot)
Lock with long shackle
Black spray paint

Instructions:
Remove the 3 screws from the “V” shaped bracket inside the grill and remove the bracket.

Cut the 1/2” metal bar to fit inside the top of the bracket. Sand the paint from the bar and bracket and weld together.

Drill a hole in the latch for the lock.
Paint everything black and install.

Lock goes through hole in latch, and around metal bar to secure the hood down.

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Why not just use "locking" hood latches if you feel the need to lock your hood down?
Seems like that'd be a PITA to reach in to unlock?
 
Why not just use "locking" hood latches if you feel the need to lock your hood down?
Seems like that'd be a PITA to reach in to unlock?
Did consider that, but wanted something more discreet. The price I saw of $150 (DV8 lock) was also a bit outside my budget for this project.

It’s pretty easy to get unlocked, but I will say it is a bit of a PITA to get the lock back on.
 
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Why did you need this? Were you having an actual problem of people opening up your hood?

I guess if I had an air compressor under the hood or something I might be more concerned about it. But realistically the person walking by who might break into a jeep probably isn’t going to be real concerned about a dirty air compressor in there.
 
Why not just use "locking" hood latches if you feel the need to lock your hood down?
Seems like that'd be a PITA to reach in to unlock?
Did consider that, but wanted something more discreet. The price I saw of more than I wanted to spend.
Why did you need this? Were you having an actual problem of people opening up your hood?

I guess if I had an air compressor under the hood or something I might be more concerned about it. But realistically the person walking by who might break into a jeep probably isn’t going to be real concerned about a dirty air compressor in there.
reasons:
It’s my daily/only driver so mostly peace of mind.
Been doing a lot of work under the hood and have a custom dual bat setup that would be very easy/quick to swipe.
Also travel a lot to unfamiliar areas.

All in all the added security is worth the inconvenience of a minute extra getting the lock on/off each time to me.
 
How about a cable hooked to the hood with a loop on the other end you can lock to what ever to keep the hood from opening