I'm putting a new water pump in my 1970 Vista Cruiser. This first step in the process isn't in the service manual, but makes total sense to anyone with a 1970,

 

Every new car purchase should have included a roll of tape & a pillow from the factory.

 

I think cursing dealer mechanics were behind the hood/grille design change in '71.

 

A section of pool noodle works well, too. Wish I had done that back in high school and prevented those lumps on the back of my head.

 

Makes a great design statement !! however it's not just the Olds hood design its any car with that secondary hood latch I cant tell you how many dents I have in my skull from those damn things, this may explain my current mental condition !!! my shins also suffered routinely from trailer hitches , Ouch !!!!! God @#$-it !!!!