Wade - Which kind of heater do you have installed in the truck??? Air Flow Heater (aka Fresh Air Heater) or Recirculating Heater? Note that the "Air Flow Heater" pictured is like the 1947-52 units. 1953 original accessory Air Flow Heaters had an added feature which looks a little different.
Answer this and folks can better offer answers on heater removal to access your inside hood hinge bolts.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
