The hood release is difficult to get to and when pulled only releases the primary latch so the safety catch is still engaged. You have to pull the handle while reaching up an opening the hood enough to clear safety catch. I thought the spring tension may be the problem and if the spring still was under tension while the safety catch was engaged a second pull should allow the hood to pop past that catch..any ideas?

 

Normally I hit the latch's mechanical side with penetratingly fluid then I oil it up with light oil engine oil would be fine. If that did not fix it next I would make sure the hinges are lubed and working right then replace the spring. It is tuff when I can not see what is going on, if the cable stretched' it can be very difficult to open and if the mechanical side of the latch is just plan worn out it could cause the same issue.

 

Yes...what a poor design! I always dread opening the hood. I got the oil changed on my '79 last week and had to open the hood for the technician.

I agree with Gorn. Oil the latch and all of the moving hood parts like hinges, latch, etc.

 

I also have a 1979 Camaro .It a Z-28 /RS .And because I have an Fibremotive IMSA nose on my car .I use the assembly from a 1978 Camaro thet the hood release is ib the upper grill ,But I use a cable and inside hood release from 1978-86 "G' " body. Malibu El Camino .etc. for better security .

 

Is your's a 1979? Mine has no cable involved, just the under bumper hood release. First pull releases main latch and pops hood but catches on safety catch. Pull again and it should pop rest of the way but it does not and you have to try to pull the hood up while holding the release lever. No easy task!

 

Yes that's the way my '79 is...1st pull pops the hood then you have to reach up and pull the heavy hood up while pulling back to release the safety latch. What a pain!

 

I have a new latch on order but I think that increasing the spring tension would solve the problem, just don't know for sure. The latch on mine has been painted more than once and no way can I adjust the spring. I figured adding large washers at the bottom of spring may be enough to increase the tension...?

 

That makes sense. If the hood would pop up when the latch is released lifting it high enough to get your hand under it then it would definitely be easier to open. Let me know if the washers helped.

 

The pieces from a 1978 will fit a 1979 .