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Interpretation ID: aiam0586

Mr. Irving Frank, Frank and Frank, Counselors at Law, 11 Park Place, New York, New York 10007; Mr. Irving Frank
Frank and Frank
Counselors at Law
11 Park Place
New York
New York 10007;

Dear Mr. Frank: Thank you for your letter of December 22, 1971, in which you requeste safety information pertaining to 1964 Chevrolet hood latching mechanisms.; Our Offices of Defects Investigation and Accident Investigation an Data Analysis have made a search of their files, and have found no specific information relating to defects in 1964 Chevrolet hood latching. I should like to point out that, inasmuch as Federal motor vehicle safety standards first became effective on January 1, 1968, we have not in all cases received information pertaining to defects which may have affected earlier vehicles. We have, however, monitored a recall campaign affecting potentially defective hood latch mechanisms on 1969 Mercury Cougars, wherein the possibility of binding components could cause the hood to open while the vehicle is in motion. In this connection, we are enclosing a copy of a report, *Motor Vehicle Safety Defect Recall Campaigns*, covering calendar year 1969. Your attention is invited to page 13 of the report for a brief summary of the action, and to page 1 for instructions for obtaining further detailed information relative to this campaign. We are, of course, continuing to be alert for further problems in this area.; Regarding designs of hood latch systems, we favor the type system yo describe in which two complete operations are necessary before the hood can be opened completely. I am enclosing a copy of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard No. 113, entitled Hood Latch Systems, which has required secondary latch positions or secondary hood latch systems on most vehicles since January 1, 1969.; Thank you for your inquiry. Do not hesitate to contact me if I can b of further assistance.; Sincerely, Robert L. Carter, Acting Associate Administrator, Moto Vehicle Programs;