The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Hood latch - how does it work??

I have the correct 58-59 latch, but apparently all TF latches are essentially the same. And I can't figure it out.

To the left side of the latch is the part that moves in/out with the release is pulled. That part will catch first on the lower square opening and then on larger square opening above it.

But on the right side of the latch is another catch. (this pic is from Classic and shows it from the back side, so that secondary latch is to the left)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d188/pathwayrev/1959%20Chevy%20Pickup/hood%20latch_zpsbxnddcqw.jpg

Huh?? That lower and smaller square hole in the hood won't go down over that. It doesn't have sufficient bevel to retract under pressure, and will only retract with the release pulled anyway.

I'm stumped. What am I missing??

Looking at it from the "front" of the vehicle.....The tall latch is the secondary (or safety) latch. The small one on the right, with the bevels, is the primary latch.

There are 3 springs on the latch. A circular one is for the primary latch.
The other two springs are straight springs. One for the secondary latch, and one for the release lever. If the circular latch is broken, you will have trouble opening and closing.

Thanks, Builder.
I'm out of town for a few days and will look when I get back. But based on your description I'm guessing I've got a bad latch. Pulling the handle does not retract the lower, primary latch. With the handle pulled it can be manually retracted by pushing on it with my free hand, but shouldn't it be pulled back by the latch?

All the latches should return to original position. If a spring is broken, one of those things won't work. Also, check to make sure alignment to the hood is smooth and easy.