How can I open the hood?

One person pulls on the hood release as one person presses down on the passenger side of the hood.

get a screw driver stick it in a hole and pull the latch. Macke sure your using a flat head.

Here ya go - I found a special tool - $20 --- http://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-hood-opening-tool-1984- 1996.html

Way to go "tenspeed" My 569 Vette twice had the hood opening cable/wire break. Chevy has a special tool that will open it without causing any damage or nicks and scrapes. "Nosmo", what hole do you stick it in? Depending on the "hole" I'd prefer a Phillips.

Got a 79 Vette (can't give it away) the release cable is hanging up maybe look at that

I am sure you have solved the problem by now. However, for others with the same issue there are holes (with rubber plug) located beneath the wiper cover behind each latch. You can access the release through these holes.