_Andrew - I'm now leaning towards using ATF fluid on the main cable pull catch latch bellow the striker plate and as well on the secondary safety latch. Thing is I had greased those suckers up good with white grease a couple years ago, but the white grease in the cold weather turns to the consistency of hard wax.

After this experience I would recommend ATF or a more liquid lubricant and a more regular oiling schedule.

_ Trev29 Thanks for the tip about Patrick in Montreal. I'll try sending him a message.

Update:

After pricing a couple hinges on eBay 50UDS each plus hefty 45$ + shipping I decided for a joke to call the dealer parts counter guys who kindof know me by now just to price the hinges (assuming I can get the hood straightened out enough that it makes sense to keep the same hood and not go the junkyard route)

New employee at the dealer offered me a sizeable discount (almost down to eBay used prices) on the hinges, which was a nice gesture, just because he had the same thing happen to him -twice ! only at 70MPH (120km/h) he told me that the hood popped open with such force it cracked his windshield and dented the top edge of the roof so much that they couldn't fit a new windshield in without first doing body work to straighten the window frame and roof line so that it got a good enough weather proof seal on the replacement glass. He said consider yourself lucky that this just costs you a couple hinges and maybe a new hood !! and not 1000$ plus windshield and body work job ..

Happy 2017 !