To the OP. Everybody makes mistakes and hope that's all this is. The pictures posted are of a 72-74 Cuda hood release handle.
The release handle on these years is wider than the mounting bracket due to the hole location in the grille.
The 71 Cuda hood release handle was not as wide as the mounting bracket due to the
hole location in the grille. I have posted a picture of a real 71 Cuda hood release handle.
Hope this helps.
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