'64 hood release troubles

[Jim Staruk]

Does anyone else have trouble getting their finger between the grill slats and moving the hood release lever enough to pop the hood?  I almost need to make some sort of special tool to help with this operation.

Jim

[2920a2crpjlyd]

Should not have to go between slats to get to release lever, it should be accessible by reaching under the painted center bar of the grill. Lever has some adjustment, also your upper grill section has some adjustment and it may need to be adjusted upwards to allow your hand to get under the center bar to reach release lever.

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

Like Ronnie said, under the center grill bar.

[3n49omug8n28i]

As the great philosopher Homer said...... dooooh!! That would be Homer Simpson 

[Jim Staruk]

You did not understand my question.  I KNOW how to open my hood!  The space below the center painted bar is small and I can only get the tip of my finger through and trying to open the hood using the lever with the tip of my finger is almost impossible.  I can insert my finger up to the knuckle in all other slats.  I need to widen the space where the lever is

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

I assumed you knew how to open your hood. The pictures I posted show the correct alignment of the grill and WHERE to stick your finger into the grill.  If you take the time to look at the second picture I posted, you will see the overlap of the top grill to the bottom grill. 

You asked for help, I took time out of my day to take a few pictures and post them for you.  I suggest you use bit more sugar in your replies when you ask for help.

[Jim Staruk]

Russ,

I apologize to you.  My comment was aimed at Clovis's remark.  I appreciate your response and the photos are very helpful, especially the one from the inside.  You and Jason have helped me in the past and I appreciate the wealth of knowledge you share with the group.  Again, my comment was not intended to be directed to you.  Once again, sincere apologies!

Jim

[Jason Edge]

The grills often become misaligned leaving little room to get the fingers in there. The upper grill should extend far enough past the lower grill to reach up and over to access the lever. If either grill has been moved, replaced, bent, or anything to move from factory set-up it can be difficult to have access. There are many connection points on upper and lower grill, I would look at upper grill and see if you can loose and move forward a tad.  The lower grill may have also been previously installed too far forward. With everything loosened up, there is some play in upper and lower grills. This is one of those items were if either were just reinstalled without consideration to the overlap of the upper to lower grill to provide access to the lever (not to mention stock look) this is one of those things where you almost always end up going back up and making more adjustments. Mine is on the tight side since my last lower grill install and need to make some tweaks.

[Jim Staruk]

Thank you Jason.  Yes, the front grill has been worked on.  I'll show your response to my body guy and have him figure it out.  Thanks again!

[3n49omug8n28i]

Jim I didn't mean to offend you. I've owned my 64 for 4 years now and still have to "remember" how to open the hood. As I call it my doooh! moment. Probably age has something to do with it or to many cars to remember what opens what way. Keep on smiling!

One thing about the old car hobby it keeps us on our toes at times.