1971 442. I need to remove my hood latch to repair it. It appears to come up through the top of the radiator support. If I remove the 3 bolts it will 'fall' into the area below. I thought about removing the grilles to gain access but it appears the bumper needs to come off to do that! There's got to be an easier way.

 

You should be able to unbolt the radiator top plate and move the radiator enough to get your hand in. If the car has A/C, however, the condenser will be in the way and will need to be unbolted also.

 

I was able to change the one on my '72 by laying underneath, working around under the bumper. I do not remember removing anything but the rubber splash shield under the bumper. I do not remember any drama removing it... Long ratchet extentions are your friends here.
I even hooked up the lock cable without removing any other body parts! Patience is needed though...

 

Thanks guys. It does have A/C so I think unbolting the rubber splash pan and going in from the bottom looks like what I might try. Olds didn't make it easy did they. Am I correct that the front bumper needs to be removed to remove the grilles? Thanks again.

 

I never tried it but pretty sure you have to take the bumper off or get it low enough somehow. The stone shield and grilles are assembled then installed after the headlight surrounds, then the bumper goes on because it laps over the lower lip of the stone shield.

 

Thank you all, guys!

 

Looking at mine again, I accessed it through the big cutouts on the bumper and where the rubber splash shield is. I never removed anything else. I did it by myself, but another person would be helpful.
It can be done - you will get a bonus yoga lesson as well.
Good luck!

 

Thanks Rob! It can't be any harder than the contorsion I have to do to reach the lock lever to unlock it when it decides to lock itself!