hood safety latch

[bills69]

when you open the hood should the safety latch catch ?

[bertfam]

Yes. I believe all GM cars and trucks (if not ALL manufacturers) have had hood safety latches since the 1930's.

Ed

[69Z28-RS]

Based on the number of 'hoods' wrapped over the roof of cars that I've seen over the years, from the latches coming loose at highway speeds, the latches DO NEED to be installed and adjusted properly!   

[bills69]

had that issue so replaced all latches , when what seems adjusted correctly moved lever on release and goes right up and not catch but push down manually catches every time 
when adjust post spring for less force hood is out of adjustment
Can someone check their hood release ,I have never really checked for this in the past ,owned the car 20 years and no issue before
thanks

[bertfam]

Not sure what you mean. If you pull the release and let go, the hood will pop open about an inch, but will stop. You need to pull the release and hold it, then lift the hood up with your other hand to be able to open it all the way.

Ed

[69Z28-RS]

What Ed has described is what/how the hood is *supposed* to function.   This process should be described in your 'Operator's Manual' for your Camaro.   If your hood latch and release doesn't work this way, then it may need adjustment.

[bertfam]

If it's not adjusted correctly, read THIS for help.

Ed

[bills69]

I have adjusted the post in each direction for the spring tension and it will not catch . If you look after partial closing manually the safety latch is all the way in the catch
It seems that we can not get the post spring to the correct tension to pop up just enough to catch and be at the right height with the header panel
just checked my second gen and similar latch and does the same thing . confused
should the hood sit  all the way down on stops if post is removed, it will sit up several inches and not sit down on its own ?

[bertfam]

If the hood isn't flush with the header panel and sits too low, then you need to adjust the two hood bumpers (items 6, 7 and 8 in the link I posted above). If the hood pops up too much and doesn't catch the latch when you pull the handle, you need to adjust the spring tension on item 10. When you pull the handle, the hood should pop open about an inch or so. Just enough to get your fingers under there. From there you won't be able to lift the hood unless you pull the handle again to release the latch. From what you're describing, it sounds to me that when you pull the handle your hood pops open way too far and missing the latch.

Ed

[bills69]

exactly                should the hood sit  all the way down on stops if post is removed  it will not 
will try adjusting better 
thanks for the info

[Petes L48]

Also ensure they latch mechanism is lubricated and springs back for the safety function. I had one on a 67 RS that was tight and sticking open, and the hood blew open and busted the hinges.