Rear hood central catch

[SteveD]

The only way I can put my hood up is to do the back first, then zip up the window ( the recent tip to use lip salve on the zip has worked wonders for the smoothness of the zip) and then close the front levers. I can't slam the back hard enough to do that last.

The hood is fairly new and I was told it needs a few good soakings to settle down, I don't know if this is true as I try to keep away from good soakings!

[cheekychappie]

The good news is that I have managed to get the front hinges in by pulling on the 1/2 hood in it's locked position.and simultaniously pressing on the header rail
The catch however is a different story.
I noticed that the rear central catch was bent, so I obtained a new one from Paddock
even in it,s most extended position the striker hits the chrome surround before it can locate with the catch it's about 5 mm short.
i am at a loss on what to do next - ideas please!!

[Rod1883]

Is the hood frame bent? Might be worth taking it to a hood frame specialist?
Does the rear catch line up/work if you don't fix the front?