Hidiy mr_mahoney-
I watched your video & looked at the picture. I would loosely assemble the whole section, then do a shim/tighten/loosen-as-needed job with the whole front end. You may need that gap as it is; you may need it to close; it may need to widen.
Doors and hood need to open & close properly, then address that gap. And you mentioned what was "allowable" in the video. That is up to you. Where are you at in this process? Final assembly? Or do you want this as a test fit?
Brad
(edit- list the make & model in your subject next time so more people will know that you're asking about a '52 3100)
