TECH
FRONT HOOD EMERGENCY RELEASE
FRONT HOOD EMERGENCY RELEASE CABLE (TSB #09-64)
Make sure you have an Auxiliary Hood Release. If the stock 40+year old cable breaks, it's impossible to open the front trunk without damaging the body or bending the hood sheet metal on early Panteras. If the cable breaks on most L-model Panteras the front grill can be removed which allows access to remove the bolts that secure the front hood hinges. Not a fun job, but you won't do body damage trying to open the hood like you will if you have a Pre-L Pantera.
TSB 09-64 details the “Front Hood Emergency Release Cable” procedure.
TSB #09-64
Ford Emergency Release Cable Kit - Front Hood (#D36Y-16916-A)
Supplies
Secure the following supplies from your local Auto Parts and Home Depot stores…
O’Reilly’s Auto Parts
- 1 pkg Assorted Rubber Grommets
Home Depot
- 1 package of Steel Rings (2 per pkg.)
- 2 feet of Steel Cable – small guage.
- 4 Cable Clamps to secure cable to release mechanism and steel rings.
Installation
Study the TSB for the correct location of the hole to be drilled in the front trunk and inspect the area under the dash to make certain you have the necessary access and clearance where you intended to drill the hole. You don’t want to drill into a wiring harness! The TSB calls for a 5/16″ hole to be drilled, but size the hole to best fit the smallest grommet you purchased.
1. Inspect under dash for clearance where you intend to drill.
2. Drill the required hole.
3. Insert the appropriate size rubber grommet.
4. Anchor the cable to the trunk release mechanism with cable clamps
5. Insert the cable through the grommet into passenger compartment
