1985 300SD Cable Broke - How Open Hood?

When the body shop repaired my 300SD, they nor I knew about the hood cable adjustment. It was FULL TIGHT and just snapped the other day. I got hold of the cable by reaching into the slot above the driver side headlight...the cable is disconnected from the release "latch" on that side. I can easily pull it and release the passenger side latch, but that does NOTHING for the driver side hood latch. How can I get to the hood latch on the driver's side? What do I have to do to release it? The front end is pretty much all new, but not everything is a real factory fit. There is a little wiggle room, but I don't know what or where to wiggle it! With my friends I have access to just about any tool imaginable. Thanks everyone for your input!!
Tom

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Body and Interior Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

Classic Sedans

You may have to go through the grill screen

Tom, I have not done this myself on a 126 chassis but I have done it a few times on the 123. Use a flashlight to confirm you can gain access to the latch mechanism - then you have to cut a hole in the plastic grill screen in the upper left corner. I know - you will have to get a replacement screen but your options are very limited at this point. Let us know how it goes. Kent

Thanks, Kent! When I get

Thanks, Kent! When I get access to the latch mechanism on the driver's side, then what do I do to release it?? How do I get it to release because the cable is disconnected from that latch. Thanks again! I so much appreciate your most helpful advice!
Tom

The grill was all new and I

The grill was all new and I don't have extra $$$ for another one, so I looked for an alternative. I was able to reach the release lever, normally activated by the broken cable, from beside the metal grill support in between it and the foglight. I could see with a trouble light where the paint had been worn off by repeated movement and was able to insert a LONG flat blade screw driver in, wedge it so I could use it like a pry bar, and VOILA!! The hood opened. Thank you for steering me in the direction of what I had to do! Cable is replaced, adjusted and working fine - thanks again!
Tom