W126 hood latches won't latch

[Chuffer]

I hope this is the correct forum. If not please bump it to the correct one. I recentley purchased an '83 300SD whose hood won't latch. The saftey latches operate correctly but the main latches don't. The latch release cables are free and the latch release handle operates smoothly. The latch plates rotate but will not lock in place. Any suggestions or help is appreciated.