Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

Why were 12 point bolts and not 6 pointers used at the hood latch?

I'm short one too....can anyone spare one? I'll pay.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

So most people wouldnt fool with it and have the hood fly up. Just like any tamper-resistant item you see around is my guess. When I went in a junkyard to pull a grill I found out I didnt have the correct tools.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

I can't remember and I'm too lazy to look right now. Is your truck a GMC? I thought it was a GMC thing.

PM me your name & address and I will send you one.

LockDoc

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

It's a Chevy. Thanks LocDoc.

*The hood latch was one of the first things I removed when I began this little journey in July of 2013. I tried to use my socket set but it wouldn't work! I had to ask someone on here what was up! I've learned a ton since then and bought some really cool tools also.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

A 12 point 7/16 socket fits them fine

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

I guess all my sockets were 6 point. I did have combination wrenches then and that is what I used.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

My '71 Jimmy has the 12-point bolt heads there. My Chevy trucks have hex cap bolt heads.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

Mine are round, anyone have a socket for that haha!

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

I have a couple of 72 grill shells that have them on there. 1 of which is rounded like CG said. :lol:

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

Here you go:

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

I'm not sure I buy that, as back in the day almost every socket was a 12 point. It wasn't until cheap overseas tools started showing up that six points became prevalent, that and nowdays everyone has an impact driver. If I had to guess GM used them to some how make assembly quicker, as they would never of spent those extra pennies, unless it profited them.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

The parts guy for the hood latch production line probably ordered the wrong bolts so they just used them and went with it. :lol:

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

I do! (Haven't used it yet).

https://www.amazon.com/Socket-Adjust.../dp/B0155J8IS6

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

this is exactly what I was going to post as I was reading through this thread lol.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

I think it's a '72 thing, can someone confirm that? It is definitely chevy and gmc.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

Not just 72s.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

Agreed, now that I think about it, I see them on '71's also. Definitely not on '69's and earlier. Not sure on 1970 trucks

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

My Jimmy's a '71.

Re: Why 12 point bolts for the hood latch?
 

My 69s came with them. One truck was absolutely original.