This is on a 240. Hi, scuttle vent has been in the same position for years and wont budge. I've watched some videos showing how to access the hinge by angle grinding a slot out above it ... but before I contemplate that, has anyone had any success getting some lubricant in there to free the thing without cutting ? Either from below inside the car or vent or maybe through a much more discreet access hole drilled above the hinge.

... I did just find another post on this subject, but appreciate any extra ideas anyone has ...

 

The vent cap hinge is a piano type hinge which is spot welded in to a really inaccessible place on the car. To replace it is as you say to cut it out from the inside which means all the dash has to come out. Access from the top through the vent cap itself is possible and your best bet it to pour a lot of oil down into the area where the hinge sits and then having let it soak for a long time start moving the hinges a little at a time pouring more oil in as the hinge starts to move. Little and often is the key here. Little movements back and forth and hopefully the hinge will free up and start to move for you.