1971 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Delta Royale convertible review from North America

Interior needs some attention - one split front seat, clock not working, dashboard instrument panel lights do not work (changed fuses for clock and panel lights, but still no go).

Replaced soft-top 2 years ago and about to change motor which operates convertible top.

I own this model car and I love it - however, I have an embarrassing question that I didn't really want to make public - but - here goes:

By the way I am a Brit and have been over here for 18 years now - I mention this only as I purchased this car from a fellow Brit who is also a great friend of mine and who owned the car before me for 15 years - so I know a lot of the history of the car.

There was only one other (the original) owner from where the car was initially purchased in California - and for the last 21 years it has been in Houston - where when I purchased it - although the paint was very good, I had the paint totally stripped down to bare metal and had some panels replaced where there had been previous damage in earlier years - and totally re-painted in the original color by... of... in Houston, who did a really remarkable and professional job!

Well after all that - my embarrassing question is that when I pop the hood to check the engine - the hood is supported by struts on either side of the engine compartment. These appear to "lock" into place while the hood is up - however, when it comes to closing the hood, I cannot budge it!! - It seems to want to be lowered on the passenger side, but the driver side appears to lock into position and while I think there must be a release so that the strut may be lowered, I cannot find it.

Can you tell me if I am being dumb here please (?) - I have resorted to placing a piece of timber under the hood to support it in a 3/4 open position - but for such a cool car - it is an insult to it to have to do this.

If you can help me with this - or know of anyone that can - I would really appreciate hearing from you.