Getting under the hood of the 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda may not be as straightforward as with modern cars, but it’s an essential skill for performing maintenance or just admiring the iconic engine. The process involves locating a few key components and understanding the mechanical release system prevalent in classic cars. For those unfamiliar with the steps, this guide will walk you through the process to ensure you can open the hood with ease.

Step 1: Locate the Interior Hood Release Lever

In modern cars, the hood release is often found under the driver’s side dashboard. For the 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda, you need to start by locating the interior hood release mechanism. The lever is usually found under the dashboard, on the left-hand side near the driver’s footwell. It is a metal lever that you need to pull to release the hood latch. Gently pull this lever towards you, and you should hear a faint click indicating the hood has been partially released.

Step 2: Find the Exterior Hood Latch

With the interior latch engaged, move to the front of the vehicle. Stand in front of the grille and locate the exterior hood latch. This secondary latch is a safety measure to prevent the hood from flying open while driving. It is typically centered along the front edge of the hood. You may need to feel around just below the lip of the hood to find it—a small metal lever or hook.

Step 3: Release the Exterior Hood Latch

Using your fingers, press or pull the exterior latch to fully release the hood. This may require a bit of finesse if you are unfamiliar with the car. Once the latch has been disengaged, you should be able to lift the hood with ease.

Step 4: Secure the Hood with the Prop Rod

Older vehicles like the 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda often use a prop rod to keep the hood open, as opposed to modern gas-filled struts. Look for the prop rod underneath the hood, which is usually clipped to the side. Unclip the rod and place its end into the designated hole or slot on the underside of the hood to keep it securely open while you work.

Visually Identifying Key Components:

• Interior Release Lever: Metal lever often located near the driver’s footwell.
• Exterior Hood Latch: Small metal latch found at the front edge of the hood, centrally located.
• Prop Rod: Metal rod clipped to the side of the engine bay, used for holding the hood open.

And there you have it! By following these steps, you should have no trouble accessing the engine bay of your 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda. This process not only allows for routine maintenance but also ensures you can enjoy the beauty of this classic vehicle's powerful engine.