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..