[TR] Help Needed With TR4A Hood Latch

[GHaynesTR4 at aol.com]

Here's the sad scenerio: 
 
We're installing the hood on my TR4A following a new paint job.
While adjusting the front hinges, we allowed the hood to latch (at the 
back).
Now the latch will not release. 
 
THE RELEASE LEVER IS RETRACTED FULLY (both from inside the car and using 
the emergency cable.)
We removed the hinge bolts by reaching up from below, so the front now 
opens maybe 3 inches.
With a stick and a hook, we were able to poke the latch and pull on it.   
No luck releasing it!

Short of torching a large hole in the rear of the (freshly-painted) hood, 
does anyone have a suggestion for releasing the latch pin, which may have 
sunk too deeply into the latch?
George Haynes