64 Valiant grill clearance

I've always had a problem reaching the hood release on my 64 Signet convertible. The clearance is extremely close, usually I have to use a screwdriver to get in and pop the first release. The car has been in my family since '79, I don't know of any front end repairs and everything looks in place.

We've owned several Valiants and Cudas but I don't remember this being so tight. Maybe it's a good thing like a deterrent to keep hands from going in!

View rece.jpg