Replace hood latch & cable? I thought it would be easy!

[Flyman 27]

I am in the middle of a winter project on my Z. I took the seats out and all the dash & console trim panels out to gain access to problem areas.
I rebuilt the IP/tach with the kit from Batee, that wasn't too bad.
My A/C and heat were inoperable, so I rebuilt the HVAC head unit and control unit while everything was apart. That control unit was still hard to access.
My locking cylinder and pivot pins on the steering column was failing, so I had to replace those. "While I was in there" I decided to replace the rest of the electrical switches on the column as well (cheap insurance). That was impossible without removing the column, so it was out of there. -=JEFF=- helped me disassemble the column since I was lost, just too many little parts.... When removing the tilt mechanism the 2 upper bearings fell apart, so I ordered those too. I guess it was good that the column was removed...
My hood release doesn't work well, the latch sticks open & has to be forced back into the closed position. So While the Bolster panels were out I decided to replace the hood release & cable while they were accessible.
The cable came out ok & the new one went in ok except for the latch end. I just can't figure it out. I can't get my head in there far enough to see the latch fastener, Then there is a metal clip in the way that I believe keeps the cable ends from falling out.
I've tried several tools but I just can't remove the latch handle, such a little thing and it stopped me cold.
Anyone know what kind of screw holds down the latch? That info would help.
Plus, anyone know the proper procedure for adjusting the cable? It is nearly impossible to access up in there.
I thought that this was going to be the easy part....