What do I need to do to minimize the bending of the 69 hood
Fair number of earlier threads that the search feature would help you discover.
This may be the longest one and should cover all the bases
https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=8811.msg74090#msg74090 (https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=8811.msg74090#msg74090)
Took springs out and now hood the straightening out with closing! Now what
"Took springs out and now hood the straightening out with closing!"??
Are you reporting that after you removed the springs and closed the hood there is not longer a bow along the edge where it meets the fenders and it didn't before that?
That's a very very quick response to the change if that is what your reporting
Yes sir!
Back at SAAC 27 spoke with a body and paint guy who was working back when for Shelby American. At that time was in the process or restoring '67 #0195 and asked him the question about the hood bows. Said to remove the springs, go to Home Depot, get two heavy sand bags and place (with a towel)on the bow sections and leave for a day or two. Was Leary but what the heck. Damm, worked great.
This has been an issue since the cars were built. There are memos about the hoods not lining up with the fenders from the factory.
If this really bothers you a length of chain or a sand bag is probably not the best answer. You will need to take corrective action by doing some very evasive reconstruction