How close should the bottom if the hood come to the hood shelf? How thick were the original hood shelf spacers? Also the springs are too large for the holes in the frame as they go in at an angle. Any experience with this?

Picture didn't post as usual. There is about one inch space on my car. New hood, hood shelf and radiator.

I found out from Larry Smith the the wood spacers should be level with the metal edges that they fit into.. Most of the wood that you get from the vendors is too thick and need to be plained down so they are level . The holes that the springs go into may have to be deepened also after trimming.

I must have another problem. The distance would increase between the edge of the hood and the shelf if the blocks are to be thinner.

Michael, a lot depends on how well the hood fits on the radiator shroud and firewall. If the hood does not closely conform to these, the gap will be wider.

Re the blocks, I make my own, just a little thicker than the hood shelf edges. That way the edge of the shelf is not clamped down on the fender and the two metal components do not get a chance to rub paint off and squeak.

Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.