Chrysler Repair: R.E Hood release, cable breaks, crossmember

Question
Roland, I pulled the hood release cable right at the hood mechanism and the cable is broken. I can see rust on the end so I guess it just rusted through. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the hood open? I think I can fix the the cable if I get the hood open. Thanks again for your help.

Answer
Hi Randy,
I wrote one response to your question but the message may not have been sent. Basically, if you can't get a tool on the lever that the cable was formerly attached to, then I think the next step is to remove the latch mechanism from the crossmember, and that will allow you to lift the hood with the latch still attached to it.
You should notice that on either side edge of the latch mechanism there is either a bolt or a welded stud that projects forward thru a hole in the crossmember, and on the otherside of the crossmember there is a nut that secures each threaded end of the bolt/shaft in place. If you can get at those two nuts and remove them, the latch mechanism should be free to more or at least now be allowed to move backward from the crossmember and be freed from its attachment to the member. Once that happens the hood should be released and you can lift it while the latch is still attached to the hook on the underside of the hood. At least that is how the mechanism is shown in my '96 manual. There would not be a design that doesn't proide for what to do when the cable breaks, and this must be the way!
Roland