hood latch swap? ...Um Hello?

[dbcowan]

I have a 78 C10 pickup with the usual hood rust and kinks.
I found a decent hood but it is a '73 style with the old type hood latch mechanism.
Can I use the loop type hood top latch from my 78 type hood on the earlier hood?
The early hood has a single post. (instead of the loop)
I'm hoping to use my interior release and stock bottom latch for simplicity.
Thanks for any advice on this. D.

PS: Strangely I've recieved no replies... I hope one of you more experienced guys can advise me on this thing.  I would really appreciate it.  Will the holes line up for the newer bracket on the older hood?  Am I leaving out any clues you need? 

I am trying to avoid the purchase of a Chinese Tin Hood if I can avoid it.
The extra front accent line detail on the 73 hood is kinda cool too.
 Thanks - D.

[LTZ C20]

Not sure about most of your questions,  how ever your last sentence made me wonder.

You said you like the extra accent line detail of the 73 hood. I just think you should know that the front facing body line to which I'm pretty sure your talking about was started on 79 models. It did not exist before then.

Also, the loop type latch that I believe your talking about was started in late 70's also. My buddy has this style, (with the interior release) on his 79 GMC High Sierra. It was an option.  My 79 Cheyenne does not have the interior release.

Is this the accent your referring too?

[LTZ C20]

It sounds like that the 73 hood you have extra may really be a late 70's hood. 79 possibly??

[dbcowan]

Thanks, Kevin - I get the idea the latch is swappable if the hood I have is from the later truck (79) That is encouraging news.  Time to do my homework and remove the latch from the 79 hood and compare bolt holes with the 78 hood.  I appreciate the education.
(the doors from my parts truck were early -small dr. panels- so I thought the hood was too) I was making a wrong assumption for certain. 
Doug in SF

[bake74]

Doug in SF

     Is that Doug in San Francisco, Ca. ?

[LTZ C20]

Not a problem. I too personally do like the front facing body line. I'm guessing the latches may be different but the bolt holes should be the same if not, they should be pretty darn close.

[Captkaos]

Are you wanting to know if you can use a inside release latch on the external latched hood?