Newport hood latch lever

[Rustyrodknocker]

Can someone tell me what's going on with this lever on my Nephews 69 Newport?
The location is different than my 300 which may be due to headlight doors but this can't be right?

Its impossible to reach without getting down on the ground..

 

[Rustyrodknocker]

Bumping this. This is a side project to the side projects and is not even my car but if I get a couple hours in the future one of the fixes is to cut this off and reposition.

It does not look damaged or flipped 90 degrees but it will be soon..

 

[Rustyrodknocker]

Answering my own question as best I can for posterity.

I removed this assembly and could find no sign of bastardization or modification.

I just don't know. Maybe someone was able to heat and bend it without leaving a trace. Possibly for added security as it was a royal pain to pop the hood.

I heated the lever shaft with the oxygen acetylene and twisted 90 degrees.
It now pops like my 300 without having to lay on the wet ground..