1971 Mach 1 hood lock, locking tab washer

[artjr92124]

HELP!!! The unique washer that makes the hood locks work on my 1971 Mach 1 are worn down and do not work. I’ve looked everywhere but cannot find anyone who sells them. I don’t want to buy the complete kits and replace both assemblies. I just need the washers. Any assistance in locating where I can buy at least two would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[timachone]

What if you make some of your own with two standard washers of the same size and cut the u-shaped form with a dremel or similar grinder and a file?

 

[artjr92124]

I was thinking about doing that for the outside tab, but I still need an inside locking tab the fits into the groved shaft. I’ve contacted a couple custom washer manufacturers and sent them the pictures. It’s a very unique little piece of the hood lock mechanism. I’m really hoping that someone knows where and how to get theses washers. I can’t be the first person looking for these washers, I hope. Thanks for your assistance.

 

[lectricegg]

It took a while, but I was able to file down some washers to work on my '73. It didnt have any when I bought it. If the hood locks are the same, you just buy washers with a smaller ID than you need and start filing. The washers I made held the locks in place when you unlocked the hood. Without the washers, the locks would pop right out of the hood. I believe I started with a fender washer, but I don't remember the ID or the OD I started with.

 

[artjr92124]

I thought about filing down a washer as you mentioned, that would allow for the outer tab to be bent up to form the locking tab, however with this washer, there is also an inner tab that fits into the grove of the hood pin shaft that keeps the washer from spinning. I’ve never seen a single washer that performs a couple different functions.

And honestly, they have to be made somewhere. They sell the complete hood locking assembly, but the pictures provided from Scott Drake and Dennis Carpenter do not show in detail the washer. So I’m not sure if the new assembly uses the similar washer.