1939 Ford Cross Brace/Hinge Mounts
 

I need to straighten the hood hinge mounts on my '39 Ford. I posted a question on removing the brace/mount. Now I have a question on how the hinge mounts should be placed. I've seen where on '39 Deluxe/'40 Standard the hinge plates should be almost flat against the hood. That doesn't look possible with my hood. I wonder if it could be a difference between early and late '39s.

The first pic is my hood. I know it is an early hood. The bend of the brace is a smooth arc. Because of the shape of the hood that leaves a gap between the hood side and the hinge mount plate.

The second pic is of a late '39. There is a bend of the brace outward at the body line toward the hood. That bend puts the hinge plate closer to the hood side so the hinge plate can touch the hood. That "outward bend" looks like a design change not an accidental bend. That brace looks pretty hard to bend.

I could be wrong.

Thanks,

Bill

Re: 1939 Ford Cross Brace/Hinge Mounts
 

I tried to DELETE but I couldn't find delete option. The hinge plate is above body line so the bend is not involved.