Thanks boom, but there's only one problem. We don't have another C4 to examine.
I like your cable idea.
Well, if there is no reference...I'll try to describe a little.
Look at about where the latch box would be, under the hood surface...Then find a place around the upper hood seal near the wiper where you can slide the tool between the seal and hood. Something about the size/diameter of welding rod is about right for strength and thin enough to enter the seal. Flat steel does not work because it has to be rotated while in the seal. Some form of handle is helpful so a good pull can be done without loosing the bite on the lever...once hooked, it slips off easily, so be prepared. It just takes practice, but its done everyday.
\From there, bend and shape the tool so there is <1/2" hook on the end, with a couple kinks along the shaft to allow the end to be manipulated down in toward the box, then rotated into the box. Visualize how the lever operates and start your confrontation with your Karma...
If successful in less than 1 hr, proceed
immediately to the nearest state lottery retailer and invest in quick-picks while luck is with you.
Tip:
The lever moves inward, pivoting from the front of the vehicle. There is also a small amount of pre-tension on the latch so the hood "pops" up when released. Its helpful in this operation to press down on the hood so the latch is not bound by the latch pin & spring. When you feel you've hooked the lever and move it, gently lift up on the hood and don;t let go !
I'm not certain, but I'd bet that Vetteoz or somebody has good pics of the latch box to help give an idea of how long and how far to go fish.
When/If the sun ever comes out again, I'll post a couple pics of my safety cable arrangement. Made with home depot supplies, maybe $15 worth of stuff. I used plastic coated cable, crimp on ferrels, a round eyelet and stainless safety wire to secure the lever attachment. There has to be a little mod of the release cable adjustment nut to ensure the safety cable can slide past when the hood is closed on the whole mess. I just ground a flat spot on the plastic adjuster nut and ran my wire underneath thru the same slot in the latch box. The route of the safety wire needs to be direct and straight so there is no binding. Later, proper adjustment of the hood pins will give the right amount of pre-tension so its not too bound up to release with the new cables. I used a 1" loop on my end of the cable so I had a decent grip.
I think the catalog vette stores even sell a kit.
I broke a cable end off at the latch about 10 yrs ago, repaird that end, attached the safety cable and have'nt worried since. The challenging part of this whole deal is installing new cables thru the firewall...lots of cursing and chiropractic follow up care involved.
Good Luck
