Thanks guys ('n gals) for the input on getting the front hood open on my 74 SB. The 'one person hold the lever while the other person yank like hell' method won out!
Once I had it open I was able to figure out the problem, too much slack / play in the cable, and fix it. Actually there's a little access hole thru the body right by the 'female' pert of the latch which allows you to release the hold on the cable, pull thru the extra slack and then tighten it back up. Now it works like a charm and only one person is necessary!
Thanks again, Chris
74SB