The lock mechanism is actually not that bad to get at. I replaced mine (wide grill version, not sure about narrow grill)

My mechanism broke completely, no matter how hard I pulled I could not release the catch. I had to saw through the metal bar that engages with the catch with a hack saw blade slid through the gap between the grill and the hood......it took hours.

Most of the grill parts just pop off, then a couple of screws for the lights and you can access the fixings for the catch.