hood flies up

[usaflm]

I have just "acquired" my moms '67 AH Sprite. She warned me about the hood flying up on the highway. She said it happened twice, once to her and once to my dad. I've looked at the hood and everything seems ok. Not sure why the hook didn't catch the hood. Anybody have any suggestions on what could be wrong and how to fix it?

 

[taskadog]

I had mine fly up once. It was tough to drive after that, I was afraid of every bump.
I put a racing pin in, upside down.
I hid the release in the grill.
After my wreck, I got a good hood and cowl and just use the factory set up

 

[usaflm]

I thought about installing pins on the top of the hood but didn't want to change the original look too much. I'll take a look at a pin underneath. Thanks.

 

[PeterC]

Consider the leather straps ala Classic Minis. I think they're stylin'

Peter C

 

[CraigZ]

Hmmm. If the safety catch is working properly it ought to catch. Make sure it's pivoting freely...and that when you lift the hood it is in fact catching...

 

[Gerard]

The latch is adjustable, as a re the buffers on either side. The buffers (if present) should just make contact with the valance to keep the bonnet from vibrating. Too tight or too loose can either prevent the latch from fully engaging or allow it to vibrate loose. Too much tension on the spring, misalignment of the latch or hinges or improperly adjusted buffers can all cause what you describe.Check the latch pin for wear. It should be round, not worn on one side, and have a sharp edge where the latch grips it.