I had basically the same problem with the hood on my 54. Couldn't get the back to fit tight on the cowl strips which threw everything else off. I was ready to spring for new hinges but I gave it one last shot. This is what I found out to completely solve the problem:
1. Get 2 friends to help. One on each side of the hood up close to the windshield.
2. loosen the 1 bolt on each of the hinges that you can see with the hood raised.
3. Close the hood and put a 4" block between the hood latch and the hood striker plate.
4. Loosen the 2 bolts on each hinge from under the dash. You won't have to take out the glove box on the passengers side.
5. Have your "assistants" push down and towards the windshield on the top curve of the hood at the same time.
6. Tighten your inside bolts while they apply equal pressure to both sides. That's why you need two!
7. Remove the block, tighten the one bolt on each side and carefully lower the hood so you don't scratch up the paint. Check your fit. Mine started out with a 1" gap which completely disappeared....it lays tight against the rubber strips.
8. I made a couple adjustments in the rods that tie into the firewall and the fenders. You may have to loosen some of the upper core support bolts if you have to make more aggressive adjustments.
Give it a shot...doesn't cost anything to give it a try!!!
Dave
