Guys Thanks for the input. Caroline i like the lock idea for the hood. I put a nova clip on the frame and I had someone suggest the sheet metal may be a fraction too low which makes sense. I'll play with it until I get it figured out cuz I am too stubborn to give up:)

Can someone please measure the length of the brace rods from back bolt to the L bracket on fenders? The shop manual shows different lengths which confuses me.

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