Sorry I screwed up where I was typing.  Got in the tags column.  Then somehow posted it.  Forgive me.
Pick up from the prior post.  Going to template the fenders to compare them to the louvered hood and see if it is deformed.  Figure it out from there if it is.  There are four holes in the downturned leg on the driver's side that I assume are cut out spot welds.  BTW - the stock hood fits perfectly.
Still going down the stock cross brace route.  If I don't find one in the next few months, we'll fab one up.
Mike
'55 Glasstop, NE Washington State