OMG I screwed up..., Rear trunk stuck locked. Options

[HansJan]

I was considering making a new username for this (because it soo embarrassing). But we are almost like family on this site, and it would come out sooner or later.

After getting the car back from painting, I’m putting it back together. When reinstalling the rear trunk lock and latch-pin, I closed the trunk. Now it’s stuck closed.

I’m able to push the lock in (like unlocking it), but it doesn’t release the latch-pin.
The rear lights are installed, so I can’t reach in. Popping out the targa-latch cups, doesn’t help much (my head is too big to see inside). Now I’m thinking about unbolting the hinges from the car, which might allow me some wiggle room. But before doing so I like to see if any of you have better suggestions.
Feel free to make fun of me (I deserve it), but helpful suggestions are most welcome.

Ps: I’m using the hood shocks instead of springs.

[worn]

Use the extensions. When I did this I was more than a thousand miles from home with the manual locked in the trunk. Cost $300 a night to stay in Yellowstone. Wife slept while I ratchet. You know what? I had taken the precaution of looking at this site.
So the extensions will work. I suspect you will have to use a lot of padding to protect your paint.