What the heck am I doing wrong with this '74 Valiant hood?

Pull off the hood disconnect the springs so you can lower the hinges use a nut and bolt to attach a chain to the forward hole on the hinge use a Axel pulling slide hammer to pull the hinge forward. Do this to both sides slowly. Take a measurement before you pull so you can remeasure to get your 1/4 inch. Yes, they are bent. I have 40 years body and fender repair under my belt do this and you can fix the problem.