Good question, inside hood lock started when?
Looks like 77 started the inside lock and could also be outside.
75-76 outside lock.
Looks like the 75-76 handle is offset from center not requiring the cut out. Notice the center support is also cut out on the side for the release on the chevy but I have never owned those years to say for sure. That would explain the grille.
Gm parts manuals:
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