Hood Latches (locking type)

[BAsque1]

I would like some input regarding hood latches. My car has the center latch open from the inside and not the typical Cobra handle latches. My center latch is giving me some problems and would like to eliminate it and replace it with the twin hood handle latches.

That been said, I would like some input as to the how to attach the receivers to the firewall and which is the best one to purchase.

I tried calling Finishline twice and no reply. The ones available at Tony Branda only show the handle and no receiver end???

This is not rocket scientry but I want to do something , one permanent and 2 that it looks nice and works well.
Any thoughts or picture are welcomed please.
Thanks
Lou (Basque1)
PS
I have a WCC Cobra

[*13*]

I think mine are just bent Stanless flatbar?? Bolted to the firewall.

[LMH]

You would probably have to make some kind of mount or tab for your car. I haven't seen anything else ever come with a set. Original Cobra's have it built into the tube frame surrounding the hood opening. That's most likely why you don't see anything else for sale besides the latch/handle for sale as every car would be different.
Shouldn't be too hard to make something to hold the latch tab though.
Larry

[mdross1]

I fabricated ours out of angle iron ground a leading edge so they catch easy and tighten as you turn the handle. Also sandwiched the firewall between the new latches and threaded flatbar on the inside. Funny thing is I never latch the hood only time I do is when the feel for speed takes over it still will not lift even unlatched.

[BAsque1]

Tks guys for the input, this is consistent with what I was planning. Finishline has what I need the receiver part on the firewall will be fabricated to accept the cams of from the T handles. Is there, however, a specific distance to each side from the dead center of the hood to locate the handles?
Tks again
Lou

[krausewich]

19.5" from wedge edge to wedge edge inside - measured linear. 20 1/4 if you follow the radius. 2" wedge - Kirkham 289 ref.

22" from wedge edge to wedge edge inside - measured linear. 1.5" wedge - CR 427 Drawing ref.

Good luck

[cycleguy55]

The latch set I bought from Factory Five (Three Lock Set and Fasteners - Factory Five Parts Catalog) came with a couple of pieces of 3/4" angle aluminum - but no instructions. I didn't use these pieces on my installation as I was locating the latches where the hood pins had been.

[CowtownCobra]

I use these

Quik Latch Completed Install on Shelby Cobra

[BAsque1]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

The latch set I bought from Factory Five (Three Lock Set and Fasteners - Factory Five Parts Catalog) came with a couple of pieces of 3/4" angle aluminum - but no instructions. I didn't use these pieces on my installation as I was locating the latches where the hood pins had been.

My hood is virgin no pins, nothing @ all

[krausewich]

Following the contour of the hood, hole to hole for your latches should run 24.5" (on center), 2 3/16" to center from rear edge of hood. - CSX4000 ref.

There is a fair amount of adjustability in your cam wedge placement, as well as it's location along the handle shaft, so you have a safe zone to get it all to work.

Mike.

[BAsque1]

Thanks MIke:
I think all the input taken I can work this out, will keep all posted of the outcome.
Regards
Lou

[Jaydee]

I just got told by my engineer that they aren't allowed. To sharp. So in case someone hits the bonnet hard enough to slide right up and hit the windscreen. They might do some more damage.
JD

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Jaydee

I just got told by my engineer that they aren't allowed. To sharp. So in case someone hits the bonnet hard enough to slide right up and hit the windscreen. They might do some more damage.
JD

You might try something like one of these:

1. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/BLAC...8-ba23bf9fe9f3
2. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PQY-...4-8afa69e22110

[Jaydee]

I like the second one, but I really don't want to start cutting into my bonnet. I have it looking original and I'm hoping someone will chime in from Australia saying it should be fine. I'll ring around but some of these rules really gets annoying. The first one looks nice and I can probably use without modifying the bonnet.
Thanks.
JD

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Jaydee

I like the second one, but I really don't want to start cutting into my bonnet. I have it looking original and I'm hoping someone will chime in from Australia saying it should be fine. I'll ring around but some of these rules really gets annoying. The first one looks nice and I can probably use without modifying the bonnet.
Thanks.
JD

You should be able to get either style in basic black as well, if the carbon fibre look isn't what you're after. Chrome or stainless steel may be an option as well.

[Jaydee]

So the round disk comes with the lock? That'll work out better to cover the cutout I have with the original handles. Thanks again. I'll go with those. They are pretty cheap anyway. Bit of a pain needing the key every time though to open the bonnet.
JD