Can't Open Hood - Release Handle Not Working

[flashovermac]

So I closed my hood to trailer my car to my house. I notice that when the hood is fully closed, the "handle" that pops out of the grill stays in the "out" position. The hood release from inside the car works just fine. Pull it, hood opens an inch or whatever as normal, and "handle" stays in the same popped out position as it was in when it was closed. Fortunately I have the bumper uninstalled while I'm fitting my intercooler. I've tried screwdrivers to try and pry the catch over - nothing. When I pull up on the handle in the grill, it doesnt move at all - it just feels like the plastic is bending. I've sprayed some lube on the mechanism - no avail. I can maneuver my hands under the hood, infront of the rad and behind the grill, and can feel what is catching (its the small part of the latch just barely catching on the rad supports ring. I've loosened the rad support to see if I could wiggle it enough to get it to release - no luck.

I've spent hours trying to pry at the latch. I'm considering removing the grill but can't seem to depress the outermost tabs enough to get it to pop out.

I've searched tons but it seems most of the hood latch problems are related to release cables that have popped out. This problem seems to be unique. I'm thinking something got bent when my motor went back in after being rebuilt.

Anybody have any suggestions?? Or maybe an idea on how to get my grill out (a special tool?)? Any help would be appreciated.

[flashovermac]

Got it.

[Lornnn]

solution in case somebody searches?