Well one thing for sure is it's better to fit your panels BEFORE your car is painted. If your hood is high in the front, check the rear at the cowl panel and if its lower than the fender & cowl you can loosen the hinge bolts at the inner apron and pull it up a little and that will lower the front edge. If your fit is good at the back of the hood you have some adjustment with the rubber bumper hood stops and a last resort is too gently bend the hood to fit by placing a block of wood between the radiator support and the hood on one side and push down on the front edge of the hood. Be carefull though if you bend it too much it will buckle, start gently until you get a feel for it. I never used a reproduction hood molding but they must not be very good based on the price of N.O.S ones going for $500.00 +.
