whitetiger

Does anyone know a magical way to get the hood open on a 1981 RX-7 when the release cable has broken? Have tried 2 different "slim Jims" with no luck.

I am thinking that I may have to cut a 6" by 9" square out of the hood. Any sincere realistic suggestions would be welcome.

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

I can't find the thread or remember the username, but I believe this name is Glenn, has a show winning awesome 1980, I think had this issue. I believe he used a scope to see that cable from below the car. Not sure what he used to pull on the cable.

crosen91

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...k-shut-413887/
thread here had a similar issue has a few solutions in it from easy to tedious.

crosen91

Not sure if they changed the hood release from the SA to the FB(it's run through the firewall with my electrical harness and then up and over). I can hook it and pull and get my release to open haven't done it with my hood closed but I thought it might be a way to get it open. I would test it but I don't have any metal coat hangers or anything to use as a "Jimmy" to see if it would actually work. Attacking the hood release it's self seems futile as it goes up into the hood to latch it.

edit: I forgot the photos, lol.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

No, no, no, just put it up on jack stands so you can look up from under the car. You should be able to manipulate the lock to get it open using a hook or wire. I've know I read of this being done before.

crosen91

I thought about that I'm a 6ft 4in string bean and was thinking if I could get the car up I should be able to reach the release of I wrap my arm up and around on the driver's side

midnight mechanic

it is just a matter of time before the 37 year old hood release cable fails. what can I modify now to get easier access to the hood release mechanism after it fails?

maybe cut access holes in the fire wall?
attach an alternate hook and wire to the latch release accessible from underneath ?

anyone care to brainstorm?

Maxwedge

iTrader: (1)

Good question M.M. I just looked and only the FC and FD cables are still available new. Anyone know if an FC cable will fit our cars?

crosen91

It's pretty much just a bicycle brake line with a plastic sheathing, and a plastic handle could find a spare one and modify it to be able to swap out the metal cable.