Bc Xj Yes, I can imagine that too. In fact I took a little grinding tool and rounded the ends of the little bars that are mounted on the bonnet so they will slide out of the latches even if closed. I would still have to remove the hinge bolts but it will be mush easier after that.
Cheers, RagJag

 

Can the latches be swapped for older style?

 

There are three ways to skin this cat or pooch: 1. Buy spring loaded latches. 2. Add a spring, latch to body 3. Drill a small hole in the latch and run a wire to the bottom of the firewall
I like #1, . There are two possibilities of failure of cables. they break or loosen in or come out of the cable stops. Ragjag is right; trying to remove eight bolts from under the car and in there location would be extremely difficult.
(As an aside. does any one know where to buy the cable stops. I brought one to a good size bicycle shop and drew a blank) 0

 

 

The above item is from an '86 and is on ebay; if yours looks like this it may fit
I could copy the picture but couldn't add text