Stripped Hood Attach Nut and Binding Hood Spring

Hi,

My 71 Demon will not keep the hood adjustment on the LR corner and now I know why. The rear nut holding the bolt on the inside of the hood is stripped and of course the bolt won't stay tight. In addition the hood hinge on the same side (drivers) is binding. Any suggestions on how to get a nut in there without drilling into the hood? There doesn't seem to be any way to get a new nut in there without doing that...And it looks like the only way to get at the hood hinge is to remove the fender. And the car is freshly painted...what fun! Appreciate any advice....

Thanks,

Mark