So, I'm planning on doing black honeycomb plastic mesh in the grille. I don't want to cut a hole in it for the hood latch release. I've seen the rod and zip tie method, but was wondering if anyone has done anything a little cleaner and more reliable. I'd like to not ever fuss with it again, after I'm done.

I'm thinking I'll peruse the junkyard and see what I can come with. Maybe fab up a trunk release lever and cable, or hood release from another car. Maybe even a fuel latch release, seeing how many are push levers and I could reverse install it on the grille tubular frame. Whatcha got, fellas?

 

The second release is outside for a reason so you don't accidentally pop the hood driving. Believe me in 1975 I was testing a VW Ghia and popped the hood by accident trying to find the heater control going 35 mph. WHAM the hood popped open scared the crap out of me. Back then cars had one hood release inside not all cars but some did very unsafe.

If that’s what you’re thinking

I wanted that Ghia bad nice car back then engine was in the rear cargo was up front I built Hot fast engines for them back then. Have a laugh at the large steering wheel a VW screw up everyone swapped them out.

 

I'm not talking about fully releasing from inside. I'm talking about connecting a lever to open the safety catch from outside, so I don't have to reach through the grille.

Something like this...but I want an actual lever, instead of fussing with the end of a rod.

 

i did the rod method...i know it doesnt help, but yea.

 

Got it all figured out. I got a release mechanism out of a Lexus and it fit perfectly, like it was made for the Dakota. I didn't even have to cut the rod. All I did was grip the rod end with two pliers and twist the ends, so they were parallel, instead of being diametrically opposed.


Beat down an area of the grille tube frame with a hammer to flatten, drilled three holes in all and that was it! Has a nice tab I squeeze and works like it should have been OEM. I can open the hood with one hand now. I don't think there is a better solution out there, even on the aftermarket. It won't rust and won't fail..works just like it did on the lexus.


I'll shut up and commence with the pics....












This is now the second Lexus part added to my truck and functioning perfectly. Maybe I'll be able to achieve Lexus quality if I keep going. LOL


Grille mesh replacement to come next.

 

IOW you used the rod method with a fancy handle on the end :P

 

Well this is a fancy Lexus rod, not your avg. At least that's what I told her. LOL

 

Got the grille done!

 

What year/model lexus did you pull that release mechanism from?

 

I got it from an RX 350. I want to say it was around 2004 or so. It works extremely well, like it was made for the truck. I forget it's there now. I simply grab the middle of the hood with an upturned palm and it opens. No searching for the lever.

Edit: RX300 works too