Just bought a 1971 Chevelle. The hood release handle extends about 2 inches beyond the front bumper. The guy I bought the car from said something about having it repaired just before I bought the car, but I know that it should not extend this far in front of the bumper? Any thoughts about how to remedy this?

This is abnormal. My first thought would be the latch itself is not returning completely. There could have been some repair on the pull handle.

The handle can be removed. The spring that keeps it in position has a tab that can be depressed allowing the handle to be removed. I would suggest removing the complete latch and giving it a thorough inspection. This is a pretty easy exercise.

Look inside the grill for evidence of a bloody nose. The grill brackets and hood latches are pretty flimsy and suffer badly in little front end taps. I don't think anybody makes them. They might have used a center grill brackets and hood latch from something like a Monte Carlo or some other A body. Two inches is a bit much.