Hood latch alignment trouble

[Steveoreno]

I have installed a new reproduction hood on my 66 and after getting the gaps right I installed the upper hood latch. I have the top latch adjusted to its full forward position and the striker plate adjusted to its full back (toward the engine) position and they still don't come close to alignment. With the latch release handle pulled in the full release position the latch stud hits on the latch, just starting into the receiver...still needs to go another 3/8" at least and I am at the adjustment limits. Before I start elongating holes in the latch plate and the striker plate (and probably the hood hinges) I thought I would run it by you guys....perhaps I am missing something glaringly obvious. The latches (top and bottom) are the originals, the hood is a reproduction. All fender, door, cowl, and hood gaps are good....am I missing something here?

[AcampoDave]

Looks like the hood is too close to the cowl to me.

[Steveoreno]

The hood may very well be too close to the cowl....that is my first stop...the reproduction hinge has no more room for adjustment so I will have to pull the hood and elongate the holes on the upper hinge to move the hood forward. Thanks

[bigmoe]

My carbide bit and air die grinder got a good workout during assembly, lol.

You truck looks great for what I can see of it.

[Steveoreno]

Thanks Moe.......I echo the carbide bits LOL. I was able to move the hood ahead slightly this morning but had no other time to play in the shop. I'll get some shop time tomorrow. Fingers crossed!

[Steveoreno]

Just an update, I was able to get the latch lined up...moved the hood ahead slightly and had to elongate the latch holes about an 1/8".....all is good. Phew...I was pretty worried. Thanks guys!

[AcampoDave]

Good news then. I think it only fitting that you show it off a bit and post up a few pics from a bit more distance so we can check it out.