Hood release issue...

[thirdmanj]

It's not a mechanical problem this time, it's my own dumbass fault. My hood release cable went out on me, so I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a bike caple repair kit (smart right?). Some where between Wal-Mart and the house that special bolt that the cable goes through and secures to the release lever fell out of my pocket. Theres no way I'm gonna find it. My question is what's the official name of that type of bolt? Are they commonly available at an auto store? I'm done for tonight, it's damn frusterating, but there's nothing I can do now. Any help would be awesome! Thanks guys.

-James

Also, I looked for them on the DMCH website, didn't see them in the luggage compartment section.

[DMCMW Dave]

===that the cable goes through and secures to the release lever fell out of my pocket. Theres no way I'm gonna find it. My question is what's the official name of that type of bolt? Are they commonly available at an auto store? -James.

It's a common 6mm screw with a hole drilled through it. Not all that hard to do with a drill press but a PITA freehand.

[thirdmanj]

Thanks for the quick response. I don't have a drill press. Damnit. These things aren't just readily available?

I don't want to jury rig anything, I want to do it the right way. I've got it all rigged up, and it works like a charm, but I NEED that bolt and nut. I believe mine was an 8mm head, but whatever.

[DMC5180]

8mm (Dome or Acorn Nut) the screw would be a M5 if thats what you had. It's a Special Application- Not Common. It's easily made. Do you have a local Bicycle shop around? The shop may have something or could most likely drill thru the screw at the base of the head out for few bucks. looking at mine the screw appears to be 10mm long or slightly less. You might not find one that short, but can always cut a longer one down.

[DMCMW Dave]

We get at least 1-2 cars in here a year with a set of tiny vice-grips still hanging on that wire. Seems to be a very common "fix".

Dennis is right - now that I think about it the exact screw you need is what is often used to terminate the hand brake cable on a bicycle.

[thirdmanj]

I looked into that, didn't think it would work. The bike-shop angle was a good tip though. I hadn't thought of it. I ended up going back to the shop that I had the car at and had them use their drill press to drill through a bolt. They also gave me a "cable stop" bolt that they said is used on some throttle cables. Thanks again for all your input!

Fortunately I've got a gas-flap hood too, but not being able to access the trunk is just frustrating. I ended up using a short 8mm bolt and drilled the hole with a 5/16 drill bit, which permitted the bike cable to go through.

Bell bike tune up kit: $6.00
8mm hex bolt, washer, and nut: $1.50
5/16 Dewalt dril bit: $3.50
DMCTalk for brainstrorming and troubleshooting: Priceless!!

[DeMopar]

For future reference, I believe that the "HELP" section at Autozone, Advance, etc. offers a cable stop screw package. Not sure of the exact size though.

[DMC5180]

An 8M bolt. that's a bit much. But hey what works for you. Glad you got it fixed up. Can you post a picture of the repair?