1976 Eldorado Hood Release Snapped

[Jack Miller CLC# 24441]

I just received the 76 Eldorado in the dark, so I really couldn't do a good once over. I will need some bubble body repair but no problem.
My question is: I tried to open the hood and the hood release handle is gone. I tried to pull in the steel bar that the handle connected to, but I couldn't get anywhere. Is there a way to open this hood in it's  present state, so I can check out the motor tomorrow?

Thanks
Jack

[TJ Hopland]

On a 73 there is only a little sheet metal flap that keeps you from easily getting to the latch through the grill with something like a tire iron.  Not sure if the 76 is the same.

[Lars Kneller 8246]

Sometimes the spring that pops the hood up gets weak.  What I'd do is pull the metal part out with some pliers or vice grips, and then lock the vice grips so the metal part stays out, and see if the hood opens that way. 

[76eldo]

Jack,

That's a real problem.  If the T-handle broke off, you could try grabbing the shaft with some vice grips.  Keeping the cable lubed will prevent that, but if you can't pop the latch, you will have to try to go in through the grille, but it may be difficult.

Call your local Cadillac dealer, and see if they have anyone there that could tell you a trick for this.

Brian