Replaced the grille, now I can't open the hood!

[696969]

Today I replaced the grille. I switched it from a Sport Satellite Grille to a regular Road Runner/Belvedere grill. I fitted it so it's flush underneath the frame. I think I screwed up and it should look like this: http://farm1.staticflickr.com/137/317305703_35ec59d1d2_o.jpg OVER the body/frame (the black part)

I should have looked up pictures before installing.

Anyway, after closing the hood, I can't open the dang hood. The grille must be blocking the latch.

How screwed am I? :sad5:

 

[696969]

Yeah, the latch is caught on the grille.

 

[Propwash]

Is the gravel pan on between the bottom of the bumper and radiator core? If not or if you can get it off, gain access that way. Take the two bolts out for the latch assembly. Believe they are 1/2" head. You try possibly bending a hook on the end of a metal coat hanger and grabbing the latch where it is bottomed out on the backside of the grill and trying pulling it over? Just throwing ideas out there.

 

[696969]

Ah. I just slipped a screwdriver thru the grille and used a mallet to hammer the thing till it opened. Lol.

Case closed.

 

[BeastlyBirdie]

Case closed, and hood open..congrats