97 Hood Latch Assembly Replacement

[camryallen]

I'm trying to replace the hood latch assembly on my 1997 camry after the front was damaged in an accident. I was able to remove 2 of the bolts holding it in place, but the 3rd seems to be covered by some kind of plastic cap. Does anyone how to remove that final piece? Part of the problem is that the hood itself won't open, so I've been working through a dent that was created near the opening between the hood and grill, which makes it hard to really see what's going on.

Thanks in advance.

[ghettosled]

welcome to the forum. happen to take a photo of what you are seeing?

online manual - http://www.**********s.com/camry/bo.pdf - go to page 20.

does this help?

[camryallen]

Hi ghettosled,

Thanks for getting back to me! I've included a pic of the part that I am talking about. On page 20 of the file that you mentioned, it's the part holding in the bottom of the latch assembly. It looks like I need to somehow remove this piece in order to gain access to the last bolt holding the latch in place. Maybe I need to pry it off?

[TheHypeIsOver]

Bump, can someone help me with this? I cannot remove the bottom bolt as well.

[TheHypeIsOver]

Originally Posted by TheHypeIsOver

Bump, can someone help me with this? I cannot remove the bottom bolt as well.

Nevermind, I was able to pry the plastic piece in the middle off and got to reach the inside hex bolt.