Need some front hood measurements and tips on straightening

[74 Thing]

I was in an accident a few years ago and my hood was replaced with a used one. There are a few problems with the hood being bowed in the middle up top near the windshield washer nozzle. Each side of the hood by the hinges look fine but as you move towards the washer nozzle the hood is bowed up.

Is there any way to straighten this or suggestions on how to try. There are lots of bracing under the hood for structure so that may create some issues. I have read some things about using 2x4s and 4x4s and then trying to straighten, but that is beyond my skillset.

The underneath structure by the front hood latch is also loose which creates a problem when trying to latch the hood since the hinge flexes upward into the skin of the hood. Where is this tack welded to the hood-I see one tack weld on the left and one on the right side maybe 5 inches up on each side of the hood, but is there anything tacked in the middle?

Finally, can someone use some feeler gauges or a tape measure and measure the gap between the hood (while closed), and upper body part, so that I know what to shoot for when I try to fix this.

Not only does it catch my eye when I see it, but it also allows rain water to weep into the trunk and believe me I have tried many different seals to try to solve the problem, but I have not had any luck.

Thanks

[Johnnyw]

The gap on my 74 is very small. I could not find my feeler gauge, but the gap varies from paper thickness to a maximum of an estimated .5 mm.

John
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1974 Thing with a 1776
San Clemente, CA

[74 Thing]

Do you mind posting a few photos with the hood closed and the gap?

Thanks!

[Johnnyw]

_________________
1974 Thing with a 1776
San Clemente, CA