'35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

Ford Barn guys, we have run into a issue as finishing a radiator replacement on our '35 Tudor Touring Sedan. The hood latches in 3 of 4 places. However, the right front hood latch will not engage the bracket mounted to side of radiator. We have determined the position of this bracket, although appears stock, is not the same as the other side. The bottom of bracket is too low and the travel of the hood latch mechanism bottoms out in the hood before latching onto the bracket. The right side bracket is shown in the photo below.

Have any of you run into this before? What was the solution?
Mike and Steve

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

Did the rad just get recored, if so maybe the side pieces didnt get soldered back on correctly

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

I pulled the radiator from my 35 last week, maybe you're missing some hardware between the inner fender and the latch bracket?

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

Old bugger: That is what happened to us, We made measurements of the location of those hood attaching brackets on the side of the radiator and that one bracket was 1/2" too short That is why it would not latch. Thanks for the suggestion. Now we figure out a fix Happy V8ing Steve and Mike

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

Same problem here about 3/16" short. This is a large top tank that I replaced a small top tank. The small tank fit properly. I have tried to elevate the mounting pad on the frame by placing extra rubber pad, without any luck.

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input
 

The radiator brackets on my aftermarket radiator (brass US Radiator) were too low; I cut them off at the 90 degree bend, added another flange to the cut off piece and after figuring out the correct location, drilled a couple holes and bolted them to remainder of the bracket on the radiator.



On my '35 the front hole in the fender panel bolts to the grille while the second hole bolts to the relocated hood catch bracket.

While not the best the picture the bracket shows how the bracket is now a separate piece and is now bolted to radiator

Re: '35 hood latch challenge - request input