Here's what I found has "been covered before"....that darn near everyone who has ever had a hood off one of these things has run into the same problem. I'm still fighting mine. Part of the problem I've found is that the two halves of the hood get loose from one another so check the rivots and replace as needed. Also I've purchased new springs and new hinges...same exact problem as originals. Save your money on that. Also be sure the rear reinforcment pieces are securly rivited to the skins at he edge so that there is no movement at that point. Try removing the hinges and springs and with the rubber bumpers in place gently place the hood down on the fenders and cowl to see how it fits. You may find as I have that the "doghouse" needs to be shimmed out from the cowl to get the right fit. Carefully shim and align the radiator support to get the right heigth as the entire front end sheetmetal is attached to the radiator support. Have your all your inner fender bolts loose so you can "coax" the alignment along. Adjust the radius rods that extend from the firewall for the side to side fit and front "sag". Have a beer, relax and come back another day to finish it up.
This is without a doubt the worse part of rebuilding an AD truck. Resist the temptation to throw a hammer through the windshield...have another beer and give that old girl a good talking to. You have my complete understanding and sympathy.
Then when you've mastered this come over and finish mine...
