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REPLACE hood latches

19K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  NANCYXRAY  
#1 ·
I have to replace the latches on my hood, Has anyone done this by themselves?
 
#6 ·
I don't think you can do this without removing the front panels, If you could take the grille out, you might be able to do it but to get to some of the tabs to remove the grille, the front has to come off.

Not a tough job to take the front off, I have done it a few times and it now takes me less than 45 min to remove the front end. The toughest part is probably getting the side skirts off without breaking the clips. I keep a few spares on hand now.

The latches I put on were not on my car and the owner was helping so I didn't feel right about whipping out the camera. I probably should have.
 
#5 ·
I did mine with the panels off so unsure if you need to remove them. I suggest doing one at a time and matching up the old pieces to the new ones so you get the correct ones on each side. When you install the new ones, make sure that they are all the way down- so both tabs stick out the top- this will make sense when you put the new ones together. Otherwise they may eventually work their way apart
 
#2 ·
yup, did a set this summer. It does help to have a second person around when removing the front clip, but it can be done solo.
My suggestion is to have some spare clips for the skirts as they always seem to break when I remove them, and have a good picture of a correctly installed set of latches, or another car to look at. They can be put in upside down (top piece) and the hood doesn't tighten down.Easy to fix without taking the whole front off again.