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Posted by: andys Oct 30 2003, 01:06 PM

There's a dent just above the front trunk latch that is not visible in the picture I posted of Goober yesterday (What Shock is This). The PO mentioned he barely submarined under the back of a "brake light minus" Mustang that stopped in front of him. Damaded the drivers side trurn signal pods too. Ok, so I can't open the front hood using the cockpit pull. Any suggestions on how to break into it? I'm not opposed to drilling an access hole behind the bumper if need be. I have a TIG, so no probelms closing up any holes.

Andy

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 30 2003, 01:08 PM

there IS already a access hole in there. the factory knew you were going to need it.

remove the front bumper. behind you'll find a small hole.
use a screwdriver to move the lever.

voila, Andy

Posted by: James Adams Oct 30 2003, 01:26 PM

Sometimes the hole is not obvious. There might be a rubber plug in that hole, and the rubber plug might be painted over, but it IS there.

Posted by: vsg914 Oct 30 2003, 01:43 PM

The hole is in the middle of the car. Stick a thin straight blade screwdriver into the hole towards the passenger side, and pry gently to the drivers side. Think of the cable coming from the drivers side, pulling the latch in that direction. If there is damage to front trunk in that area, you might have to coaxe the hood up "gently" I repeat, "gently" with a wide flat blade putty knife, or you might have to push down on the hood to get it to release.

Good luck

Posted by: andys Oct 30 2003, 03:26 PM

This is great news. Thanks to everyone. I suppose I would have found this on my own once I removed the bumper, but at least now I know for sure!! Being a previous (very previous) owner of a brand new '73 2.0, the only work I did on it was the routine maintenance stuff, so, I never got really too deep into anything else back then.

Andy

Posted by: Aaron Cox Oct 30 2003, 04:21 PM

make sure your hood isnt bent.....(ask me how i know-parts car) once bumper is off, all it takes is a screwdriver. haynes manual describes it nicely

Posted by: andys Oct 30 2003, 07:04 PM

Aaron,

Really? I have a Haynes manual left over from my old '73 and never thought to look at it!

Red faced,

Andy

Posted by: jwade Oct 30 2003, 07:41 PM

Slightly off topic, is there a way to access the rear trunk in case the
latch fails.

It hasn't happened yet, but with my luck it will.

john

Posted by: SirAndy Oct 30 2003, 07:45 PM

nope.
they only way without cutting would be to go through the engine compartement, remove one of the plastic cups that hold the targa latches and try to fiddle in something long, maybe wrench extensions etc.

the easier way is to attach a thin cable to the lock-mechanism, drill a small hole in the trunk floor, route it through, put a loop or little handle on it and just pull it if needed.
it'll be right above the exhaust, so don't use anything flammable

Andy

Posted by: Aaron Cox Oct 30 2003, 08:39 PM

reach thru a rust hole in your rear trunk and fiddle with it!