Interpretation ID: nht72-1.14
DATE: 06/15/72
FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; R. L. Carter; NHTSA
TO: Frank and Frank
TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION
TEXT: Thank you for your most recent inquiry regarding hood latch systems, dated May 26, 1972.
Examination of the 1964 Chevrolet hood latch system reveals that this system does meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, which was effective on January 1, 1969. While, as stated in our correspondence of February 16, 1972, we favor a system in which two complete operations are necessary, a system which employs two latches having a single operation will meet the requirements of the standard.
A current review of our Office of Defects Investigation files reveals that no information relative to 1964 Chevrolet hood latching systems has been added since our last communication.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Sincerely,
ATTACH.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORATION NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
01/01/72 EST.
Irving Frank -- Frank and Frank
Dear Mr. Frank:
Thank you for your letter of December 22, 1971, in which you requested safety information pertaining to 1964 Chevrolet hood latching mechansims.
Our Offices of Defects Investigation and Accident Investigation and Data Analysis have made a search of their files, and have found no specific information relating to defects in 1964 Chevrolet hood latching. I should like to point out that, inasmuch as Federal motor vehicle safety standards first became effective on January 1, 1968, we have not in all cases received information pertaining to defects which may have affected earlier vehicles. We have, however, monitored a recall campaign affecting potentially defective hood latch mechanisms on 1969 Mercury Cougars, wherein the possibility of binding components could cause the hood to open while the vehicle is in motion. In this connection, we are enclosing a copy of a report, Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Recall Campaigns, covering calendar year 1969. Your attention is invited to page 13 of the report for a brief summary of the action, and to page 1 for instructions for obtaining further detailed information relative to this campaign. We are, of course, continuing to be alert for further problems in this area.
Regarding designs of hood latch systems, we favor the type system you describe in which two complete operations are necessary before the hood can be opened completely. I am enclosing a copy of Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, entitled Hood Latch Systems, which has required secondary latch positions or secondary hood latch systems on most vehicles since January 1, 1969.
Thank you for your inquiry. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Sincerely, J. E. FORESTER FOR Robert L. Carter -- Acting Associate Administrator Motor Vehicle Programs
Enclosures
ATTACH.
FRANK AND FRANK
December 22, 1971
Office of Compliance, National Safety Bureau
Re: Pettiford v. Hassell and Rhodes Our File No. 70-45
Gentlemen:
We represent a Mr. Dennle Pettiford of Brooklyn, New York who was seriously injured in an automobile accident in October, 1970.
On his behalf we are writing to you to determine whether or not there is any information available concerning the design, construction and maintenance of a hood or hood mechanism used in the 1964 Chevrolet station wagon. We would also be interested in knowing whether there are any statistics or other reports available concerning prior accidents arising in the same manner as the one in which our client was involved.
In September 1970, my client was driving a 1964 Chevrolet station wagon. While the car was in motion, after it had been traveling for some time, with no sign of any impending danger, the hood suddenly opened. Because his vision was completely obstructed, the driver immediately applied his brakes. At this time, there was traveling behind him a large trailer truck. Apparently, it was unable to stop. The truck collided with the rear of the station wagon ramming the station wagon against the side of the bridge and dragging it for a considerable distance. A serious fire ensued. Four people were killed and two others severely burned.
We understand that both vehicles were traveling on a very narrow bridge. A fast-moving vehicle traveling in the opposite direction may have created a vacumm-like effect as it passed our driver's vehicle. The vacuum-like effect in some fashion created pressure on
the hood causing it to fly upward and open.
We understand that at this time other vehicles had not only a latch to control the hood but also an additional safety catch. Thus the 1964 Ford automobile was equipped with a hood-release mechanism and also a secondary safety catch. Two complete operations were necessary before the hood could be opened completely.
The first device was released by compressing a lever located below the grillwork. This allowed for a partial opening of the hood; then a second device above the grillwork and below the hood was compressed to release a "hook" or "safety catch". Thus, assuming that a Ford vehicle was involved and mechanism was operating properly, the passing truck creating a vacuum-like effect, might have allowed the hood-release mechanism to become disengaged. However, the safety hook or catch would still have caught the hood before it could obstruct the driver's vision.
Any information that you may have concerning the hood release mechanism and/or safety catch on vehicles manufactured by General Motors in 1964, or for any other manufacturers that might have a bearing on this particular kind of accident would be greatly appreciated. If there's any additional information you require from us, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your courtesy and cooperation.
Very truly yours, IRVING FRANK
FRANK AND FRANK
May 26, 1972
Robert L. Carter -- Acting Associate Administrator, Motor Vehicle Programs, U.S. Dept. of Transportation
Re: Pettiford vs. Hassell and Rhodes Our File No. 70-45
Your reference: 41-42
Dear Mr. Carter:
You were good enough to write to us on February 16, 1972. This was in reply to our inquiry concerning the hood-latch systems on the 1964 Chevrolet.
We have recently been able to obtain a diagram from a publication known as "Gleen Mitchell Collision Estimator Inc." which is prepared for automotive mechanics. I am enclosing a copy of the same. You will notice that in the lower right-hand corner of this page 2-7, there is a small diagram of the hood and the locking mechanism.
As near as I can make out, it would appear that there is but one latch, consisting of an upper and lower assembly.
Would you be good enough to have your office indicate to us whether or not this assembly for the hood-latch system complies with the regulations which came into effect through your office on January 1, 1969.
We would also like to know whether or not since our last inquiry, there has been any further information obtained by your office with respect to the 1964 Chevrolet hood-latching mechanism.
Thank you for your courtesy and cooperation.
Very truly yours, IRVING FRANK
Enclosure