'59 Hood Latches

If you have any questions or comments about this project, please email me at: cebmailt.gif (1253 bytes)

This is an alternative to the stock hood latches used on the '58-'60 Corvettes, although it could probably be used on other C1 Corvettes also.  The latches used can be purchased from Corvette Corrections (www.corvettecorrections.com) or Watson Streetrods (http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/latch_catches.html).

To view a larger image, click on the thumbnail pictures shown below.

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Each hood latch consists of a catch and a pin (metal parts shown above).  I made a mounting plate from fiberglass with four 10 x 24 machine bolts imbedded in the glass.  The plate is approximately 0.25" thick.

 

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Latch mounted on the mounting plate.

 

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Passenger side latch glued to underside of fiberglass

 

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Driver side latch glued to underside of fiberglass. 
The stock hood latch release handle and cables are used to actuate the new latches.

 

 

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Views of the hood latches seen from the top side. 
The latches are centered on the old center bolt hole which held the stop bolt on the original latch. 
Still a lot of fiberglass finishing to be done.

 

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A new mounting plate was fabricated to hold the new latch pin.

 

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New mounting plate and pin shown bolted in place.