hood stays closed at speed of light . . .

[Mike Arman]

>
>>>Why do you ned to shut it?  you can always leave it ajar, held by the
>>>safety catch, if you aren't gonna drive it or drive it far or fast.
>
>> I've actually put this to the test...The hood will stay closed up to, and
>> including, 85 mph.
>
>Wuss.  120mph at least.


Youse guys are nuts (no offense!)


I've been in two cars where the hood has flown open at speed, and it is NOT
an experience I enjoyed!

#1 - ugly old Buick, 50s vintage. I was hitchiking back to college, and got
a ride in a big, black Buick. The shocks were totally gone, and the car
just floated down the road. When the hood popped up, it came back over the
windshield and the driver was totally blinded and freaked, so he just
slammed on the brakes. Somehow we stopped straight, without hitting
anything and no one ran into us. I got out, said thanks for the ride and
walked the rest of the way to class.

#2 - XK140 Jaguar roadster. Hood popped open, smashed the windshields and
supports, and whacked me firmly on the noggin. Fortunately, I was younger
then, and still had hair on top of my head, so the blow was evidently
cushioned somewhat. (or maybe not, no snide comments please . . .)
Replacement parts (hood and WS assembly) were only $100 at some furrin car
junkyard on Staten Island, but that was a LONG time ago! Probably $2K
nowadays, minimum, if you can even find them.

Don't try this at home - it is dangerous! Latch the hood!

Best Regards,

Mike Arman