damn, i know how bad it sucks too. i actually had a candy job and couldnt even risk scratchng it back in the day. my dad actually got a cordless drill and got up in there and drilled a hole right behind the latch, in between the bolts that hold the bracket to the latch. then just unlatched it with a big screwdriver. might want to take that on for thought if you have new paint. and i just checked my truck, you will be pushng the lever toward the driver side of the truck.
i also recommend a brand new cable,i stole one from another truck at the junkyard trying to be cheap and it happened again about 4 mos later. good thing the hole was there, but was a b**** to get to up there, my arms kinda fatty.