Hood Latch Location

[Railroad]

I get the impression that the spacing between the hood latches on the MkIV is not critical, but the centering of them would be relative to stripes on the car.
The front to rear location will be centered in the hollow rib on the bottom of the hood.
I need advise on the best way to locate the latches from side to side.
Should I use the center of the hood between the hollow cavities on the bottom, or the overall width of the uncut hood?
Thanks for any suggestions.

[Papa]

I just measured per the manual and all looks fine. Find the center and measure out 12" on either side. Remember, nothing on these bodies is symmetrical. It's a lot more critical to get the scoop aligned with were the stripes will fall and best to wait to mount the scoop until you, or your painter, have laid out the stripes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=117649&d=1573948429

[Railroad]

Thanks PaPa. It sound simple, but find a different center, every time I measure. Might have to wait on a second set of hands and eyes.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I like to go about 13” off center because it will help pull the outside corners down. Take your best shot at finding center...there’s a good chance it won’t be dead on with the stripe center when all is said and done but 1/4” + or - won’t be noticed on the latch handles. I recommend orienting the handle bases side to side rather than front to back; reason being that if you aren’t spot on the midpoint of the underside rib the screws can break out the side.

Good luck,
Jeff

[CraigS]

I agree w/ Jeff. What a surprise. I know these things vary but there have been enough threads about the back corners of the hood being high to be a concern. If you put the latches closer to the corners, you can put rubber bumpers on the body near the center and use the latches to pull those corners down.

[Avalanche325]

It sound simple, but find a different center, every time I measure.

Welcome to the world of Cobras! If you want to lose your mind, get a tape measure out.

Remember this. Things don't have to BE straight. They have to LOOK straight. That is what tapered stripes are all about. They look better than actual straight ones.

[Railroad]

Thanks for the advise and guidance. Those are the answers I need. Wife won't let me work on it today.
I am eager to get it done now. I bought bushings for the bottom support and some plate nuts for the screws. I need to buy some stainless counter sunk screws that will fit in the latches.
Thanks again. Merry Christmas!

[Gromit]

As always EdwardB has an answer. from his 20th build thread https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?18591-EdwardBs-Mk4-8674-20th-Anniversary-Build&p=259469&viewfull=1#post259469

I noted he doesn't center the hole on the underside rib. I recall somewhere its so that if the hood is closed with the latches rotated in the closed position they don't hit the paint

I am sure Paul will chime in and correct if I am wrong.

Chris AKA Gromit