the little gray pull tab that pops out of the hood when you pull the interior hood release cable has fallen back inside behind the grill. the hood is closed and the tab is facing downwards, stuck between the fan and the grill. I can pull the cable, the hood pops, but i can't lift it any higher. when i stick a coat hanger in there and pull forward as if the tab was being pulled, the actual tab hits against the grill, stopping the hook from traveling far enough to slip by the metal bar to release the hood.

anyone have any ideas besides smashing my head into the grill until the whole thing falls apart in a bloody mess? i'd really rather not have to break the grill but it appears to be the only solution...

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)

I'm thinking patience is going to be the best tool. What would happen if you popped the inside hood release and then took a slow drive on a bumpy road? Could it be dislodged? The grey tab is plastic, right? Can you reach in there from underneath and just crush the plastic piece? I'm thinking of some long skinny needle nose.

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daw_two
Germantown, TN

Links:
Sold last car --- 05/2012 1984 300D Light Ivory, Red interior
Cluster Needles Paint
New Old Stock (NOS) parts

Past:
3/2008 1986 300SDL "Coda"
04/2010 1965 190D(c) "Ben"
& many more

Can you reach up under the bumper or pull up and forward on the T tab with your hanger.

There may be an easier way, I've just never been in your position. I share your level of instant frustration so it's hard for me to say this but.......Stay calm, if there's no urgency in opening the hood then give the forum members time to respond.

yeah, if only i could figure that out in all aspects of life.... not my strongest suit...

i tried snapping it with a hammer and long flat head screwdriver but it didn't work. maybe twisting/crushing with needle nose pliers will be the way to do it. i need needle noses that are long enough and strong enough but also small enough to fit through the grill slats.

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)

.......sniped

yeah, i can pull the t tab forward, or the fulcrum it's on, but the tab itself hits against the inside of the grill, stopping forward motion at a point before the hook gets around the inside bar.

there's no urgency really.... i was on my way to do a easy little under the hood job and found myself in this predicament. then i sat there on the freezing concrete, totally unprepared, yanking and twisting, and trying everything, getting more and more worked up. i'm chilling out now...

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)

Ain't that a hoot. Any other day, the tab would break if you looked at it crosseyed.

I would try removing the pin that retains the pull tab. The pin is retained by a clip which can be popped off with a thin, straight screwdriver. Then, use a hook or bent wire to pull the lever forward.

Are you my long lost twin brother? LOL!

I swear I just said that exact quote a few days ago

ain't that the truth...

i saw that clip and thought, too small to mess with. but i think you're right. as maddening as it is, this project will have to wait until tomorrow. the wife is on her way home and has plans for me. i think i can get that clip off (hopefully it falls where i can find it...), work the pin out, and i'll be good to go.

ha! short guy, big nose, irish temper? could be...

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)

Nope..... tall, big ****, some Irish yes

Too funny and I needed a laugh today!

Best of luck to ya!

have you tried to reposition the tab with the hood latched firmly? in other words, slam the hood tightly closed, so it's in it's un-popped position then reach in with a coat hanger, and attempt to lift it into position while someone pulls the hood release handle...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

well, that's what did it! flipped the clip off, (and it clearly flew through an inter-dimensional portal and is now enjoying its new life on the other side of the universe) pushed the pin through, and dropped the pull tab. plenty of room to then pull the hook forward and the hood came right up! hopefully Lowes has a similar flat clip cause that one's gone forever it seems.

thanks for the help guys!

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)

Replacing the pin with a locking nut & bolt should be an option.

...until his gray tab bends down again....

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.