I have what looks like a keyed hood lock kinda thing under my 442 emblem on the front of my car...did they make one of those from factory as an option? it is not connected to anything i have a hood popper under the dash by my ebrake, should i keep it and reconnect it or should i pull the lock and fill the hole thanks

 

Most likely an aftermarket alarm key switch. I used to see those on cars in junkyards many years ago. Usually they were mounted in the drivers fender. They were pretty popular in the '70's. I'd remove it if you're going to paint/restore the car.

 

If it's in the 'tooth' between the grilles, your better off replacing it, as any repairs are subject to quite a bit of vibration, and usually don't last.
Easier, too!

 

Isn't the tooth made of fiberglass? If so, it shouldn't be a problem to repair it.

 

I, personally, would leave it until I had absolutely nothing else to do, which could be never. I've got a factory one in the driver's fender of my 75 Vette, which looks kind of weird, and I've managed to tune it out most of the time. Besides, doing nothing is easier. If you try to fix it, you'll be fussing over repair work and paint matching. It doesn't even be bear thinking about.
Just one man's opinion.
Interesting car, not sure I've seen a 442 that year in recent memory. Got any more pictures?

 

In 1973 the tooth was sheetmetal, I think all the fiberglass pieces were under the bumper. Should be easy to fill the hole with metal if that's what you want to do.



John