I'm restoring a 1991 Dodge Ram W-250 with a 5.9 CTD... well, the other day I had the front end jacked up so I could change the tires and while changing the tires on my manual tire changer, the truck slid off the jack(do to being in a dirt area) and the hood slammed shut. Well, the hood release cable hasn't been put on yet since the hood wasn't shutting do to the fact that it was hitting the LHS fender and needed adjusted. Well, the force of the truck sliding of the jack was enough to slam the hood shut. Now, how do I get the hood open with out cutting holes? The grille isn't on the truck, but the inner cooler and radiator are on it. THANKS!

 

I am unsure on a first gen but you may be able to sneak wrenches in and unbolt the latch. More than likely from below if at all possible.

 

I ended up cutting a hole in the hood... my buddy had a hood to give me, and was actually in better shape than the one on my truck, so I didn't have to feel bad... thanks everyone!

 

DO NOT CUT HOLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I gently pried with a large flat bar under my grill and my hood. Use a pair of needle nose pliers or use something to jam into the mount and pull/push the mount where the cable would attach to release the hood. Pull to the right or drivers side.

It helps to have two people.

Take you time. It's tricky to do but it works.