Hi Rodbin
Centre the male pins to the holes. There is a small amount of adjustment in the hood hoop brackets and as already suggested the pin may have a slight bend.
If only one catch operates then the hood frame will be at an angle putting increased pressure on the unopened catch making it very difficult to open.
If the operating handle travels a “long way” adjust it via the seat belt slot as earlier mentioned though this actually has no bearing on the nearside catch operation.
The operating lever pulls on the offside catch which in turn pulls the nearside catch. This second catch must move and operate at EXACTLY THE SAME TIME.
With both male pins locked adjust cable, try opening, if only one catch opens then re-lock. Repeat until both catches open together.
Check the hoop rubber sits nicely and adjust the male pin lengths if necessary. Re the stuck pin, is this after releasing the locking nut?
Incidentally, I put a cord around the “L” of the bottom sliding plate in your piccie. With both male pins locked a sharp yank on the cord and at the same time operating the cable lever handle will operate both catches (shallow angle so as not to rub any paintwork). I found it easier than messing with tools directly on the catches should things get difficult.
This hood catch system is a bit agricultural so, just in case, I kept the cord in position!
Best of luck.
