I pondered this gap at the center of the hood on my 47 AD. I did just what was suggested but I did pull the rectangular joining plate at the back (underside) of the hood. This took a lot of the rigidity out of the riveted joint and allowed my DA sander to get into the gap a little deeper. Then I ospho'd it. In the end there is the center hood trim strip that would cover any issues anyway. Good luck. Marko.
