On my '70/4, I've never had engine lid closure problems, but all of a sudden.....

I can't open the rear deck. So I go in thru the trunk and "trip" the latch with a screwdriver. I then apply just the tiniest dab of white grease on the bent tab on the lid, open and close, open and close, open and close, open and close, and everything seems to be functioning properly again.

When I next drive the car, I go about 1/4 mile and "thwump", the engine lid pops open. Get out, shut lid, drive a bit further and "thwump", #*!&% open again.

OK, wipe off all grease (not much though), shut lid, drive a very short distance and once again..."thwump".

Long story short, after many, many adjustments with a 13mm at the bent tab on the engine lid, still "no joy" The engine lid still pops open after just a short distance. What's confused me is that previously there was never a problem. I've checked the hood latchs, top and bottom, to make sure nothing has gotten loose and everything is tight and appears aligned properly.

I'd appreciate any suggestions and guidance in an effort to solve this problem.

Paul

Are you adjusting the bent tab forward/backward? Or up/down? Or both?

Paul,
the latch bolt (13mm) wears and begins to no longer to catch properly. If you can not get enough adjustment by sliding the latch bolt you have a couple of choilces. 1. replace latch bolt or weld a bit more metal on the end and grind it to extend the bolt a bit. 2) put a washer or two under the latch mechanism itself

This also happens when the engine mounts are broken and the engine whacks the lid...

hard to see little cracks on the 90degree mounts can cause this too.

They may need to be welded up.

We are in Centerville and would be happy to look at it for you.

Make a slight adjustment on the engine lid cover itself to compensate for the latch? Shouldn't take much if it's catching now.

Problem solved..............




After adjusting the hood lock bottom and making certain that the engine lid tab was exactly perpendicular to the latch, the engine lid appears to be secure after a lengthy (and enjoyable) road test.

Thanks to all for the response, suggestions and support.

Is this a great Forum, or what!

Paul