You really need to put the clip on to make hood gap adjustments and lowering the core support will bring the back lower hood side corner closer to the cab.
When you get back to working on the truck, let us know how it's coming together!
Mike B
Mike Boteler
1956 Chevy 3100 Resto Rod 1952 Willys M38 Army Jeep 1983 Jeep CJ7 Laredo 1984 Jeep CJ7 +++++ Silver Spring, MD