I have had issues with the front hood latch lower clip on my 68 442 and i understand that it its not reproduced and a 1 year only part so probably not worth replicating. If any one has one that is in good shape meaning minimum rust i would like to buy it or trade for another part. Would a 69 442 front hood release linkage fit on a 68 442 as a "bolt on" or would i need to cut or drill? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Lets start with the basics. There are two 68 versions, "Pull" or "Paddle". The Pull version looks like it superseded Paddle version. Which do you have, and what part of it do you need?


I've had the pull version for 6 years and have had zero problems with it. I seem to remember the paddle on the Paddle versions used to bend making them less reliable. I sold a complete Pull version a couple years ago for $35 so I know they aren't that expensive. The core support part numbers are different and I think that's because the location of the pivot point is in a different location depending on what version you have.


Pull:





Paddle:

 

The clip with part number 7003137 looks like the clip that i have replaced twice now. I didn't even know that they were two versions made for 1968 and mine is the pull version.....just need that clip which is not reproduced.

 

I just did a search on eBay under "7003137" and two brand new ones came up and are referred to as Rochester carburetor link clips. I guess it is the same clip?

 

If it looks similar it probably is. That style clip is used elsewhere on the 68. I believe the door lock actuating rod uses one that's similar, if not identical. I have a box of door lock parts that I'll look through tonight

 

I no longer have the original clip to compare it with but it sure looks like the correct one.

 

If I have a few from the door lock I'll send you one. I'll look tonight

 

I looked tonight and the door lock ones are similar but not the same. The hood ones appear to have an integral bushing that the door lock ones lack.

 

My '68 car (April) has two holes for the pivot point, and I use the rear hole to move the paddle back so that you have to reach through the bumper to unlatch the hood. This slows down unauthorized personnel from opening the hood without authority.

 

Solution: I purchased at the local Advance Auto a Dorman kit #41017 (Carburetor Linkage Clip Assortment) for $5.99 which contains one right hand clip that fits but the linkage is squared off so you must grind the edges to make it into a round half moon shape so that it can move freely. It makes it "better than original" because the Dorman carburetor clip as a double attachment that goes to the rod versus the original factory single attachment to the rod. I am intrigued by the paddle style latch but have yet to see one.