55 wagon hood latch problem

[casper50]

I'm reinstalling the front sheet metal getting ready to paint.  Have to align the hood but am having problems with the hood latch.  It goes into the hole/slot perfectly and the latch and safety catch function well.  The problem is when shut and I lift on the hood only it will raise in front 1.5" until the safety catch catches.  What keeps the hood down snug?  A couple of photos.