[krausewich]

Hi Bill.
Been there!!! Most of us probably have had out days.

What I see are two fold.
One, your latch is much higher than normal. It's usually centered on the trunk frame.
Two, your trunk lip looks much longer than usual. Usually between .25-.75" depending on mfg.
We will help you through it !!

I would start with marking up the body with color like you did with the green sharpie, then drop the catch in the down position to mark in the green ink. Drill a hole through that spot, and slowly open up the hole until the striker slips through. Love the concept you have for the catch! I see that there is a plate in the general area of the catch location, have you considered a U bracket that is adjustable up and down via nuts on either side of the solid surface like many hoods and trunks on production cars?

Good luck, and feel free to lean anytime, that's why we are a forum!!
Mike.

Oh yes....
N E V E R!!!! Send your body to the painter, then figure mods out later.... Fit, disassemble, paint, then reassemble....