55 2nd series hood latching

[mygirlz55]

My 55 2nd series hood isn't latching when I close the hood. It catches in the slightly open position, but when the hood is closed completely, it doesn't latch. Is there something I'm missing in the latch that holds it shut when closed?

[Daze57]

there should be 2 springs on the latch the small spring usually are missing - look at the latch -u should be able to see where a small spring hooks on.
see if that helps. i dont have a picture of one offhand --maybe someone will chime in and have one.

[Miller197]

Hey mate,

As daze said it could be that one of the spring are missing as its held shut by being spring loaded. Heres a couple pics of the latch out of my 55.

In the end i decided to do away with the original latch and put in a different catch from the wreckers with a positive lock

Hope the pics help

[mygirlz55]

Originally Posted by Miller197

Hey mate,

As daze said it could be that one of the spring are missing as its held shut by being spring loaded. Heres a couple pics of the latch out of my 55.

In the end i decided to do away with the original latch and put in a different catch from the wreckers with a positive lock

Hope t3e pics help

Yep the picture helped. Missing spring and the spiral spring is broken off too. Thought the spiral spring was just a piece of metal holding parts in place.
Couldn't find a picture of the back side or the springs online.
Now I've found a spring kit... but only for a 55 car hood latch. Anyone know if these will fit the truck latch?

[Miller197]

Im fairly sure their the same.
Looking at that photo of the spring kit it looks like the right stuff

[Daze57]

good picts Miller197 !!

It sure does look like the same springs - make sure they fit tight so they dont fall off and give the latch a good shot of wd40 or a good white lithium grease to keep it from binding up . glad it all worked out !