55-57 Hood Latch

[ptc]

I broke down and bought a new hood latch... the least of my worries right? but I installed it and the hood doesn't close... So Im gonna ask what seems to be a highly stupid question after all these things have been operating like this for that past 50+ years....

How does it work?



1) see the rounded edge on the right side of the MAIN FINGER? I assume this is the safety catch???? and if I release the latch this moves in. When closing the hood it will go down over this nice smooth ramp.

2) Now see the flat top piece on the left side of the MAIN FINGER? This guy doesnt let the hood go down all the way and latch tight, it stops the hood and theres no way to make it go inwards by the latch - I have to push it inwards with my fingers.... now I know even in '55 thats not the way it was made to operate... right?


What am I doing wrong?


Thanks guys!!!