Floppy hood release catch

[Markas]

Evening all, first post from a new Stag owner.
Only got the car a couple of weekends ago - purchased as a project car so was well aware that there are several issues that will need sorting in due course.
Today it's been given the once over by a classics friendly local garage and the engine has been pronounced sound, plus they got the overdrive working - gearbox oil level was too low!
However, one issue that has arisen over the last 24 hours is that the hood release catch has stopped working and the release lever has gone floppy, so unable to lower the hood. I'm sure this isn't the first time this has ever happened, does anyone have any useful hints for accessing the cables to see what's broken with the hood raise? Presumably I need to remove as much of the rear interior trim and seat as I can?
Thanks in advance,
Mark

[v8ken]

Hi Mark,
If You're lucky, you might be able to lift the rear seat back rest,,some of us have done the mod to enable this,for this reason, as well as being able to store a few extra bits,under the soft top.
I made the seat fixing a keyhole slot(in the two uprights behind the seat)and just tightened the bolts enough for a snug fit.
Other people have used Velcro.
If the mods haven't been done-
I don't know if you are able to remove the seat base and then try are move the cubby on that side enough to get to a cable to pull it with pliers or something,
Others maybe along shortly to advise.
Welcome and good luck,
Ken.

[ChrisLD364]

I'm no expert but have changed the cables on mine.

You could try a blunt implement in the centre under the rear screen - mine used to stick. That might just release it.

Otherwise remove seat bottom and near side trim. You might find the cable to the release and be able to pull it.

The cable runs just under the cover along with the cable to the off side cover release.

Best of luck and welcome to the forum.

Chris.

[Markas]

Ken, Chris,
Many thanks both for your replies - have now found the page in the workshop manual which suggests I should be able to access the cables once I've removed the rear seat base and nearside cubby panel. Wasn't sure how feasible this was with the hood raised but your posts give me hope that this may be possible.
Mark

[fedex]

Hi, when you try to release the catch is the hood locked down at the front, sometimes when its taught it releases easier. or (my hood can be a pain as well) pull the lever you should hear a slight click, then undo the front lift it from the holes, then with the lever pulled push the hood cross bar just behind the t bar and it should release. good luck.

[Markas]

Thanks for your suggestion Fedex, I'll give that a go as well.
The hood is locked in and taut at the front, and I do hear a light click as if part of the mechanism is moving, so I'll try pushing the hood cross bar. Not quite sure though, do you mean push towards the front or rear of the car? Due to work commitments this job's going to have to wait at least until the weekend

Mark

[Markas]

Thank you

Many thanks for your helpful suggestions from a Stag newbie!
Tried Fedex's method and got the rear catch to release without much trouble Think the hood is possibly under too much tension overall as the front catches are extremely hard to fasten with the rear catch already locked - possibly due to the car having been in storage for a while with the hood down. have also (temporarily, ahem, ahem) removed the rear seat back bolts for easy access if it all jams up again!

[IanW]

Once again, the forum comes up trumps ! Thanks fedex. Releasing the front catches and pulling on the lever whilst lifting the bow frame sprung the catch easily. It seems that my cable had stretched a little and so wasn't releasing the hood pin properly. Slight adjustment and lube and everything working again.

I might try the cunning plan with the velcro on the rear seat myself. I might not be so fortunate next time !