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For anyone following this thread, there is good news to report. Thanks to Tommy583 (see above), a relatively simple (but time consuming fix is available). I was unable to undo the lock catch nuts with a wrench successfully, although it is also doable, but by carefully cutting the right rear tail light (used assemblies are available, and Tommy - thanks again - let me have one very, very reasonably). I masked the area around the tail light very well with about two layers of tape. I then covered the car completely with a plastic drop cloth and carefully cut a hole in the drop cloth around the tail light and taped the opening to the already applied masking tape around the tail lamp. This keep debris from getting under the drop cloth and touching the bumper or body. I then used a dremel type tool, and about 30 cut off wheels - finally switching to a fibre one, a 3/4" hole cutting bit on a regular drill, various flat screwdrivers, a small child and a dog. Having the replacement to go by, I could place my destruction surgically, and did not seem to do any other damage to the car, myself the child or the dog. It does take hours to do. Once the lamp is removed, the release could be accessed. My arm would not quite reach, but by holding a portable jack handle I was able to actuate it from the right side opening. Again, thank you Tommy. And thanks to all of you who had contributed to resolving this.
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