Hi, I just finished adjusting the hood on my 41. It took me hours before I realized I HAD THE HINGES INSTALLED ON THE WRONG SIDES. Each hinge is designed for a specific side. A very careful inspection of each will help you see the differences (the upper adjustment slot on each hinge is different). When you get the right one on each side the gap at the firewall will adjust easily. The springs are not installed until AFTER you establish correct alignments and all adjusting bolts are tight (you may have to install the springs at the top but they should hang loose). You need to be very careful that the front lock mechanism is aligned properly or the hood will shut and not open. I would align the front hood latch before installing the grill even if everything has to be taken apart again for the grill to fit. I had my hood stick shut so I took off the passenger side horn inner fender to reach under the latch and loosen the latch post with a long screwdriver. This was almost MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. I had also taken off the valance, but am not sure that was necessary. I have an extra hood that someone took a torch to and cut a large hole in the hood to access the hood mechanism???
Good luck, Mike
P.S. Put some notes in your manual so next time you will remember how you reinstalled the hood latch, hinge, and spring. I video tape how I take things apart and put things together.
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Mike 41/77 Chevys