Mad Hatter
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I started the thread
"***Mopar Hood Lock Kit Update*** - SHIPPING NOTICE!!!!!!!!!! (Good News/Bad News Update Page 4)"
in General Discussions. However, due to their more technical nature, I will post my Assembly Notes and Photos here in DIY Write-Ups and Videos.
Photos of various stages of assembly
Installation Notes for MOPAR Hood Lock
I will note that I did not pay the current astronomical price shown on several websites. I ordered the MOPAR Hood Lock Kit in August, 2018. The distributor, MoparOnlineParts.com, charged my credit card at that time. While this isn’t the friendliest practice, my other order was shipped immediately, and I had no reason to believe I would have to wait 50 weeks. So I didn’t squawk. To their credit, MoparOnlineParts.com DID NOT RAISE THE PRICE to its current, significantly-higher level. So I am happy with the result!
Bolt’s FINALLY showing up on another distributor website may be a harbinger of some price adjusting on this type of product. I have a Bolt ignition key lock for my hitch receiver, and it was easy as pie to key the lock. The MOPAR Hood Lock wasn’t anywhere as easy, as I essentially had to factory assemble the lock itself. But at least I now understand the design of the newer-generation keys that have a shaped groove on one or both sides!
I hope this helps anyone considering a Hood Lock, regardless of manufacture!
MH
"***Mopar Hood Lock Kit Update*** - SHIPPING NOTICE!!!!!!!!!! (Good News/Bad News Update Page 4)"
in General Discussions. However, due to their more technical nature, I will post my Assembly Notes and Photos here in DIY Write-Ups and Videos.
Photos of various stages of assembly
Installation Notes for MOPAR Hood Lock
- Quadratec’s video for the JL Ignition Key Locking Gas Cap was absolutely invaluable; I’m so impressed I’m going to buy one to replace my separate-key-locking gas cap. From them, too, in thanks!
- The MOPAR Hood Lock Kit lock cylinder has 7 tumblers vs. the 4 in the gas cap, 4 on top and 3 on the bottom. This means more care to not drop the tumblers underneath when “filling” the top set.
- For simplicity, I identified the correct tumbler insert, one tumbler at a time, then filled the cylinder when done. For safety from sneezing, etc., I kept only one of each tumbler and one spring out of its bag during this identification process. Per Quadratec’s advice, I wrote the code down on my work surface sheet of paper.
- MOPAR does supply extras—there are 10 springs for 7 tumblers, and 5 tumbler inserts of each of the 8 types—maximum needed is 4, in the upper bank of 4 inserts. A, B, C, D, each in Left and Right. When removing one spring with needle-point tweezers, it sprung/leapt onto the floor. It is so tiny and so light, a small—really small—spiderweb caught it before hitting the floor!
- There is a top and a bottom to the lock cylinder. It will fit flush in the lock cylinder housing only one way. The Lock cylinder housing also has a top and a bottom. The open set of tumblers will be on the bottom, presumably for drainage of water.
- You have to crimp the stainless steel lock cylinder cover on to the cylinder by bending 4 tabs over the rim. I realized quickly that you have to put a magazine or catalog or similar under your pliers' jaws on the exposed side to avoid marring the polished surface. I'll add a picture of the cylinder lock front in the stream below. (This paragraph was added after the original post.)
- There was dried red Loctite in both the lock cylinder nut and the nut that attaches to the end of the lock cylinder. As a result, it was a b-b-b-bear (now talk nicely, son) to start the threads, especially on the end nut. That pot metal threading of the lock cylinder cross-threads oh so easy!
- Regrettably I didn't take any pictures last evening of the unassembled lock mechanism before I riveted it shut, but the lighting wasn't great. But you can get the gist from the detailed Installation Instructions, attached at the bottom of this post.
- The push pins at the top of the grill appear to be intended for one-use only. The instructions say to discard the old push pins, and the new ones seem identical. (Why are these so @#$%& expensive, regardless of the auto maker?)
- The grill took much more force pulling out of its catches than I anticipated. Even Rob in the Quadratec Grill Removal video jumped at release. At least, the grill snapped back into place much easier during final reinstallation.
- The other difficulty was in unhooking the six catches that hold the center grill insert to the outer grill housing. They were another b-b-b-bear (again, talk nicely, son) to open until I figured it out. The solution: Taking a panel removal tool, push down on the rectangular keeper behind the “hook” that protrudes from the outer grill through the grill insert. It flexes enough to push the hook back. But a real b-b-b-bear (I really want to use another word!) to figure out. Pictures attached with the others.
- I bought a new riveter, push pin pliers, and body panel removal tools for this project. Used all three.
- The Mopar hood lock works properly, as described in the General Discussions thread.
I will note that I did not pay the current astronomical price shown on several websites. I ordered the MOPAR Hood Lock Kit in August, 2018. The distributor, MoparOnlineParts.com, charged my credit card at that time. While this isn’t the friendliest practice, my other order was shipped immediately, and I had no reason to believe I would have to wait 50 weeks. So I didn’t squawk. To their credit, MoparOnlineParts.com DID NOT RAISE THE PRICE to its current, significantly-higher level. So I am happy with the result!
Bolt’s FINALLY showing up on another distributor website may be a harbinger of some price adjusting on this type of product. I have a Bolt ignition key lock for my hitch receiver, and it was easy as pie to key the lock. The MOPAR Hood Lock wasn’t anywhere as easy, as I essentially had to factory assemble the lock itself. But at least I now understand the design of the newer-generation keys that have a shaped groove on one or both sides!
I hope this helps anyone considering a Hood Lock, regardless of manufacture!
MH
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