Auto body repair & detailing: 99 Mercury Mystique Hood Replacement, mercury mystique, rick hess

Question
Hello Mr. Forster, I recently purchased a hood to replace the damaged hood on my son's 1999 Mercury Mystique. My problem in replacement is the fact that I can't seem to get it to line up as it should in meeting the grill area and the hood (the replacement does not come all the way down and is too far up toward the wiendshield) and on the left front fender side there is a considerable space between the new hood & fender. My question is there any adjustment bolts etc. to make it fit properly? I did make the hood on at the connecting point is pulled down as far as possible with the little bit of play available. I certainly do appreciate any advice Mr. Forster.
                               My Regards,
                               Dr. Rick Hess

Answer
Hello again Rick, and thanks for the feedback. Try this on the Hinge- take out the front hinge bolt, the one closest to the radiator support, by  that i mean farthest forward. Loosen the rear bolt. Now, slide 2 flat washers under the front of the hinge, between the hinge and hood, where you removed the bolt. Replace the bolt, and tighten both bolts back up. This will change the angle of the hinge when it's closed, and should bring the rear down. Also, when a car has been in an accident, things move around. Even if they replaced the radiator support, it doesn't mean that it is in the exact right position. It's not like putting a head on an engine, where the bolts line everything up. A unibody is sheet metal, and it moves around slightly during the welding process. Expansion and contraction from heat. Bodymen have to combat these forces on pretty much every car, and it's rare that a hood, or any panel, will just pop on without bunches of adjustment. Bill