I had posted the other day about my replacement hood not fitting along the cowl end. Well after looking into all the suggestions I removed the replacement hood and put back on my original nose end damaged hood and low and behold it fit like it should along the back side. Laying the replacement hood on the ground, I found that the PS was indeed bent by over 1/2 inch. I then pulled out some dents along the leading edge above the new headlights with a pair of large vice grips, close the hood and went to pull the hood release cable in the cab only to find it wouldn't release the hood or pop up. I thought, ok, the grill is out and this will be an easy fix....WRONG. When I took my long screwdriver and slid the cable end at the latch, it slid just find nice and easy, but the hood still wouldn't pop up. D**n it! Any suggestions. I tried to lift up on the hood in the center but still no luck. It's 98F outside and at least 70% humidity in the shade and I'm at my wits end for the day. PLEASE HELP.

I'm open to everything even an exorcist.....Thanks.
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'86 sedan with 439,000 miles on the original engine and automatic transmission