When we put hoods on the first try is with no latch, hinges, NOTHING, just the bare hood. If it fits the hole then any misalignment from that point on is caused by hinges, latches, etc. If it doesn't fit the hole then the brace rods to the firewall, the shims at the core support, the shims under the core support, the rear often needs to be drawn together or stretched apart, and whatever else is needed for a proper fit. Once the bare hood fits right then add everything else ONE AT A TIME. It saves much time not jumping from one item to another since you will know exactly what causes the misalignment.
