I have recently purchased a '79 El Camino. I popped the hood and now it will not go down. The part of the latch that is attached to the cable that pops the hood moves when ti is supposed to. The other piece (the one where the bar on the hood catches to) moves only when it is moved manually by way of pliers or fingers. There is not a spring present between these 2 pieces. Is there supposed to be? Please help because I have no clue about classic cars. beyond mine will be the coolest car in the high school parking lot. Please help me!!
Thanks-
A kid that as already messed up his car

If I remember my '79 Malibu correctly, there is a "V" shaped spring in the mechanism, but don't quote me. Try hosing the latch workings down with WD-40 or similar, and simulate the hood latch with a round screwdriver shaft. Work it a few cycles. The latch mechanism should snap open by itself when you pull the release. If it doesn't , the spring is probably broken, and it's off to the boneyard for you.