• From: whidbey island WA
  • Registered: 2005-02-17
  • Posts: 36

Topic: 68 hood latch mechanism

long story short, brought the buck for $400 wrecked and put on a new front end, the mechanism that I got for the 68 which is a one year only piece seems to be backwards.  Unless I'm missing parts the pull wire is on the drivers side and when you line up the locking mechanism properly on the body it puts the connection for the release wire on the pass side.  Any pictures or advice would be greatly appreciated.   This is the last piece before I can drive it after a 2 year rebuild.  I don't want to start cutting on fresh paint if I don't have to.  But if I flip the piece the release wire will be on the right side and new holes will have to be drilled.

68 beetle
1600cc  dp
  • Registered: 2007-05-29
  • Posts: 301

Re: 68 hood latch mechanism

Hi there friend. Sounds like your hood piece is backwards all right. all bugs before and including 1967 had the hood pull under the dash on the driver side. during 1968, and every year after, the mechanism was opened by a small lever in the glove box. So, the pull cable coming from the mechanism should be leaving the lock and heading towards the passenger side. I do have this part from an old '68, and I will try and get pics for you, so you can see how it should all fit.

  • Registered: 2006-09-26
  • Posts: 4

Re: 68 hood latch mechanism

Do you have it in backwards?  I looked at my 68, the pull is on the left side(drivers side) and the wire attaches to the front side of the latch on the left side. Sounds like the latch could be turned backwards.

  • Registered: 2007-05-29
  • Posts: 301

Re: 68 hood latch mechanism

ok, someones '68 was backwards :s (gonna say it was mine)

  • From: whidbey island WA
  • Registered: 2005-02-17
  • Posts: 36

Re: 68 hood latch mechanism

The first part must have been for a eruo model.  The second one fit perfectly,  thanks for the advice!!!

68 beetle
1600cc  dp