1. Accessing the Latch Mechanism (If Possible):
* Through the Grille: Some cars have enough space between the grille and radiator support to allow access to the hood latch mechanism. Carefully inspect this area. You might be able to reach the latch parts with long-nose pliers, a coat hanger, or other tools to manipulate it. This requires patience and careful probing.
* From Underneath: If you can get underneath the car, you might find a way to access the latch mechanism from below. This might require removing some underbody components.
2. More Invasive Methods (Use as a last resort):
* Drilling: This is a last resort. If you can identify the location of the latch mechanism, and it's not easily reachable, carefully drilling a small hole to gain access might be necessary. Be incredibly cautious to avoid damaging other parts. You'll need to drill a strategically placed hole to either release the mechanism or give you enough leverage to lift the hood.
* Removing the Grille: This gives you much better access to the front of the car and might allow access to the latch, or potentially to work around it to lift the hood. This involves removing various clips and screws, which might damage the grille if you aren't careful.
* Cutting a small section of the hood: As a very last resort, you could cut a very small, inconspicuous section (like a small hole in an inconspicuous place) of the hood to gain access to the latch. This is messy and would require repair, but could be necessary if all else fails.
Important Considerations:
* Safety: Always disconnect the battery's negative terminal before working on your car to avoid accidental short circuits.
* Patience: This is a delicate operation. Take your time and avoid using excessive force.
* Photography: Before you start, take pictures of the area so you have a reference for reassembly.
* Professional Help: If you're not comfortable with any of these methods, it's best to seek help from a mechanic experienced with classic cars. They have the tools and expertise to handle this situation safely and efficiently.
Specific to the 1965 Dodge Coronet: Without knowing the exact nature of the broken latch, providing more specific instructions is impossible. A repair manual for your specific model year would be incredibly helpful here. These manuals often detail the hood latch mechanism and might offer hints on how to access it. Searching online for "1965 Dodge Coronet repair manual" might yield a PDF or a source to purchase one.
