Baxtor et al
Thank you all for your input. All of it was very helpful.
(XJS '93)
Today was a red letter day! The hood is closed and level with the cowl! .
I elongated the slots on the passenger side latch and bottomed the latch. I also moved the passenger prawl another 1/2 inch to closure. Geased all cables and oiled the latches; left the bars in the parallel position.
This may not be the school solution, but it worked for me The elongation is hardly noticable and all in all the modification looks professional. The latches worked as they were supposed to. They drew the hood into the proper position and locked it.
Again, THANK YOU one and all for your input, it all helped!