I found the dash-mounted hood release on my '49. I've tried pulling it, but there is a huge amount of resistance. I don't want to snap the cable or do any damage. How hard do I need to pull on it to get it to open?

 

try having someone push down on the hood while you pull the handle

 

If the cable does break or is broken, there is a small hole you can use to insert a small long thin screw driver to move the release lever as if the cable was actuating for opening, the small access hole is found in the inside upper part of grille opening. Pull the under dash hood release cable sharply but not like a rip cord. Pulling the release lever latch against it's stop with great force is often how they break.

One example of how this happens is when smoke is observed and the driver tries to get the hood open in a panic fearing fire and breaks the cable. The factory cable is actually a woven center cable assy, not a solid core like a choke cable, with a plastic jacket surround to help prevent corrosion. The cable can withstand a lot of pulling force if in good shape and original. They are hard to find for replacement. Because of the chance of fire it is my opinion every owner of these cars should practice how to open the hood through the access hole for emergencies.

 

Good info, thanks. I was finally able to get it open by pulling harder than I thought I should have. Is there a way to lubricate that cable?