Seems like I keep "shooting myself in the foot!" Last time I was trying to adjust the hood so it would pull down tighter for hood fender alignment, I adjusted the top hood loop too deep into the bottom lock! Now I can't get the top loop to release from under bottom lock's "duck bill." I've tried using a long screwdriver and hammer trying to force the loop from under the duck bill and it just isn't happening. However the lock is releasing the loop! Any suggestions before I use my cutting torch to cut into the hood so I can access that area? LoL. I already bought a new lock assembly.

 

Did you try having someone put all their weight on the very front of the hood while pulling the release?

 

Yes I did. I got it open by using a 3/8" bar, flattened the end and made a slot to fit the loop. Yes I pounded the heck out of the rod and it released past the duck bill. As a reminder this car was in a passenger side front fender accident a few years ago and the body shop could never get the hood to close properly. I'm done with trying to get hood to lock down and so hood pins will be here soon. I installed the new latch and it did the same thing. The new latch doesn't even go into the lock position.

 

Installed hood pins this morning. I think it looks ok. Too bad if not because the holes are drilled and just gonna have to live with it. At least the hood is level with fenders and not bouncing up and down. I'm not going to screw the scuff pads on yet and am waiting for my SS ones and flip over snaps to arrive. The screw holes might not be the same. I'll treat for rust prevention on the drilled holes later. Now all I need is some V8 emblems on the sides and a larger fake exhaust! LoL. Don't know that I'd like the plastic coated safety lanyards flapping in the breeze!.