Differences between aluminum and steel hood latches?
 

What exactly are the differences between them? Just the spring? Is it interchangeable or do I need to swap the whole mechanism?

Its tough to close my aluminum hood with my steel hood latch... I don't want creases to form on the hood :uhh:

i guess it just has a lighter spring in the aluminum latch, i just stretched the old spring out a bit and have no problems

I think i saw somewhere that you're supposed to use different hinges to prevent electrolysis from occuring between the two parts. I'm not sure if the latch is the same way or not...but yeah.

Thx for the info

Anyone else have any info?

Shouldn't a layer of paint on both parts prevent electrolysis? Also.. I don't remember the alum car hinges being any different in material from the steel hood cars.

The latch appears to be the only difference..... but, springs can be had at hardware stores, online, etc... just buy an assorted spring kit and go wild until you find one you like.

how would electrolysis happend? aluminum doesn't rust?

Doesn't rust in the conventional sense, but it can oxidize. Which is a form of rust. But, it can also rust the steel hinges.

Electrolysis can occur naturally between two different metals. for example, copper and zinc pushed into a potato. Same concept.

But, sealing both metals should prevent this.

hmmm ok so your saying hit it with some clear coat or something?, or even just greasing the hinge?

Aluminium oxidizes as soon as it's exposed to atmosphere. It oxidizes at a really small atmosphere. So Al as we know it should technically be Al2O3, but that's a moot point. Steel on the other hand needs a catalist to oxidize that usually is water. As for electrolysis between the two, I don't think that's really possible unless there's again another catalist. I say this because of aircraft construction. Steel and Aluminium are used alot in construction of those crafts.

So long story short, don't worry about it so much.

There is no difference between the two. There is only one part number for hood latches.

You changed hoods so you must adjust the latche, if you look in the FSM it will show you how to do this.

no, actually, there are 4 part numbers for latches.
2 with alarm, 2 without, and half of each are for aluminum

That is strange, because my Parts Microfiche does not show anything for an alum hood or alarms. And this microfiche is from Mazda.

The 86-88 catalog i have lists 4 parts for "Hood Lock":

FB01-56-620E (w/o alarm, steel hood)
FB02-56-620F (w/ alarm, steel hood)
FB13-56-620C (w/o alarm, aluminum hood)
FB15-56-620F (w/ alarm, aluminum hood)

yeah, if you actually read the fsm, it says to make sure to use the right "lock" on the right hood.

Anyone have any pictures comparing the two?