thanks for the response, Bill. i am holding one of these latches in my hand (new, reproduction) to investigate the action as you say and i don't see what you describe. the main hook can move freely irrespective of the position of the release lever. the secondary piece/latch is locked into position unless the release handle is lifted. then it can move. perhaps my trouble is how the hood interacts with the latch - does the hood sit on the piece to the left, or pass over it when it is in a retracted position?