Hood Latch issue (perhaps WTB but..), Read and I'll explain Options

[Random_Stranger]

Ok, hoping someone can help me. I never had an issue with my hood not latching before. I drive off from the store going about 40mph when all of a sudden my hood popped up and was standing full up on my windshield. I try to close it, it won't lock. I drive slow and bring it home. Noticed it wasn't really aligning before (I dunno if GT-Four hoods go further than regular but it appears that way where they latch). So I extended the latch. It still won't lock. I got screw drivers and pushed the lock down all the way til it locked. With great force eventually it did, but just won't do it with the hood.

Anyone ever have this issue with GT-Four hood? And If it is the latch, does anyone have one they wanna get rid of?

[Hanyo]

Take some red spray paint and paint the hood loop red and before it drys close your hood to see where the contact is made in the locking mechanism.

If the hood loop is not hitting the receiving lock mechanism square it will have difficulty locking.

You have to remember the lock mechanism actually hooks over the hood loop to get it to lock down. Some time you have to add washers to the hood lock mechanism or tweak the radiator support so it can it can hit the hood loop square. If your desperate you can even enlarge the lock mechanism so it can have an easier time wrapping around the hood loop.

One more thing to check would be the hood bump stops. They are the rubber blocks on the left and right side of the radiator support. IF those are too tall they can prevent the lock from catching. you have to cut those down.

good luck and report your findings back.