Are you using an original grill and original latch plate. On my 71 Barracuda, I used a reproduction grill and a reproduction nose. I had to alter the nose to get the lower bracing to work correctly.
I'm pretty sure i have the right latch plate it has the 2 small holes for the slilde latch but i can't install the way it is pictured here. Maybe i have a cuda one are they different?
Now i'm really confused my yellow cuda doesn't have the 2 small holes for the latch release as it doesn't need them, your pic doesn't show the 2 small holes so how are you going to attach the release lever. I have several pics the yellow is the cuda the orange is the challenger that i'm having trouble with.