HI I own an 81 TA (clone), What your experiencing is pretty common. After you pull the hood release (your little T Handle), let the tension off, then pull it again and lift the hood.

As far as door and window handles you should be able to find the clip removal tool at any part store for a couple of bucks.

As far as the window trim, unless you rust starting under the trim, or you are changing color, I would leave them on and have them masked off when the car is painted. Otherwise, let the body shop remove them (it's cheaper than replacing the glass if you break it.

As far as the locks, after the door pannels are removed, there is a clip that retains them. Be very careful removing the little rod where it goes into the lock mechanism as it pushes into a plasctic retainer which can often break and are a little hard to find.

By the way welcome.