Standard hood latch to remote hood latch conversion

[shadango]

In an effort to gain a little security for the fish, I am kicking around  changing my standard external release hood latch to a remote one.

Anyone know what parts I would need and what mods I need to do this?

Obviously, I need the inside handle/pull and cable....but do I use the same catch I have and remove the outside lever??

Anyone see any downside/problem to this change?   Yeah, I guess the cable could break and then what...but all cars these days have remote releases and I have had no problems on my other rides...

Thoughts?

[the_engineers]

Go electronic. The hood latch on a Cuda is the same mechanism that the 5th Ave's used on the trunk.

It takes a little fitting, but it'll be less expensive than a legit E-body set-up.

[Challenger6pak]

Good information. Any way to override the 5th Ave.  latch if it quits?

[shadango]

I dont know if I trust electric as much as a cable unit....My old man had an electric trunk lock on his 56 Merc, and I remember having to crawl thru the rear seat area into the trunk to pop the trunk when it failed......I am too old and fat now to do that....LOL

[Challenger6pak]

The factory inside hood relaese has 4 parts.  1. the cable and handle. 2. the latch assembly.  3. a plate that covers that latch assembly to help prevent opening from the outside. 4. a small plastic wedge that goes under the inside handle.   The spot, on the dash frame, where the handle is mounted, is on an angle.  The wedge makes the handle level.

[shadango]

The factory inside hood relaese has 4 parts.  1. the cable and handle. 2. the latch assembly.  3. a plate that covers that latch assembly to help prevent opening from the outside. 4. a small plastic wedge that goes under the inside handle.   The spot, on the dash frame, where the handle is mounted, is on an angle.  The wedge makes the handle level.

Thanks! SO is the latch the same as the one I would have right now? Or is it a different latch?

[Challenger6pak]

The "post or catch" on your hood stays the same.  The latch mechanism is different.  Instead of a provision for a handle it has a post for the cable. Here is a pic from my car.  It is hard to get a pic due to the angle.  You can see the post and cable at the bottom.  My cable is frozen on this car.  I have the blocking plate off.  The second pic shows the plate.

[shadango]

Hmmmm.  Ok, so I would need a complete latch assembly as well.....what years were these found on?   Can the latches from any other mopars be used?  I have to believe there was some cross-utilization?

[Challenger6pak]

I think it is an ebody part only.  They come up on Ebay.  Looking at mine there is 5 pieces.  The cable is held to the latch with a small loop shaped bracket. 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Good information. Any way to override the 5th Ave.  latch if it quits?

Any small/short flathead screwdriver can work on mine. Reach up through the lower grille opening, turn where the stock trunk linkage would hookup.

I've had a 5th ave hood latch on my Cuda for 4-5 years now.

[Challenger6pak]

Thanks for the info.  I like going with the 5th ave. type better.  I have had fits over the years with these cables. I need 3 cables now.  I am sure the whole 5th Ave set up will cost less.

[dodj]

Good information. Any way to override the 5th Ave.  latch if it quits?

I've found (cuz of a broken cable) that you can lay on the ground and reach up from underneath and behind the valence bare handed and move the arm that the cable would move with your finger. 

[the_engineers]

I dont know if I trust electric as much as a cable unit....My old man had an electric trunk lock on his 56 Merc, and I remember having to crawl thru the rear seat area into the trunk to pop the trunk when it failed......I am too old and fat now to do that....LOL

No need to crawl through the backseat to get to the hood 

We were talking about hood latches, correct? 

[shadango]

No need to crawl through the backseat to get to the hood 

We were talking about hood latches, correct? 

....I always like to take the back way around to everywhere.....LOL

[dodj]

No need to crawl through the backseat to get to the hood 

It would be the long way ....