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

The hood is at the body shop getting prepped for paint.  Don't know what his holiday schedule is - I know he was going to be closed for a week, just don't remember when.  I'll stop by on Monday and see if he's around.

If you still have the car, maybe you could post a photo of the inside of the hood.

are '55's the same as '56's?
I think we have the same situation.  My middle cross brace was cut at the edge of the hood, but once you cut it, it doesn't matter where.  Still have the extra layer of sheet metal around the edges and at the hinge area, 
Maybe I'm worried about nothing.
Thanks for sharing
Mike
'55 Glasstop

When I had my hood louvered years ago only the center of the brace was cut out leaving the cross pieces and sides. Its never been a problem with over 100 louvers.

Y's guys rule!
Looking for McCullouch VS57 brackets and parts. Also looking for 28 Chrysler series 72 parts. And early Hemi parts.

MoonShadow, 292 w/McCulloch, 28 Chrysler Roadster, 354 Hemi)
Manchester, New Hampshire

Thanks for the contact.
Mike

Call Norbert Doll from Glencoe OK. He specializes in parting out 55-56 fords. He had about 50 parts cars last time I was out there. Good guy to deal with and ships parts.   405 747-7883

That's probably where I'm headed.  My body shop and I have already had the same discussion.  It's louvered.  It's shaved.  Who cares if the brace is stock.  A formed piece of round tubing with some flat plate gussets ala NASCAR.
Going to continue looking - hoping someone has a hood that is too far gone.  If something doesn't appear in the next few months, then I go to plan B.
There's a (pretty much) trasher hood on E-bay but they want $170 + $225 for shipping from SD.  Haven't contacted them.
Thanks for your comment and insight.

If it's something you want/need soon, and you want it in good shape, I think your best bet is to make one.