Mercedes Benz repair: Rear Hardtop Latch Wont Release - 77 Merc 450SL, 450sl, merc

Question
The rear hardtop latch won't fully release the center rear hardtop pin on my 77 Merc 450SL. Large lever on driver side just loosens it, small lever turns freely and doesn't seem to be connected to anything.  Soft-top pin releases fine.  Do I have a disconnected cable? If so, how do I fix it?  Is there a "work-around" just to get it off?

Answer
These links should help.


Hard top stuck
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=838196#post838196

380SL Hardtop Removal
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=35581#post35581

Hardtop installation on 450SL
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=395205#post395205

http://www.zianet.com/SLlover/page62d.html

500SL hard top stuck !?
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=210167#post210167