Rich: I like the cork and chalk method. However, what part of
the holes on each end lug for the bolts are elongated, allowing some adjustment, and I had stupidly put it where it was too far towards the edge of the bonnet (i.e. towards the rear of the car), which meant that even at full "pull," the release mechanism was unable to unlatch it.
I slackened the bolts and carefully lined the striker lugs in the same position as before, using the marks the bolt heads had made on them.
do you reckon doesn't address "the original question"?
I will add one thing. If you err, make sure it is to place the latch mechanism slightly toward the front of the car. This will ensure that the cable release can operate through its full range of movement. What is fatal is to err the other way, with the result that the release cannot pull the latch fully, rendering the bonnet sealed shut.
For the striker (on the hood itself), as I detailed in my Sept. 09 post, it's the opposite. If you position this too far rearward, even with a full range of latch motion it may not release.