A body hood hinges WTF?!

I did that already Scamp. Thanks for the input though. That did take a lot of play out of the fitment, even though I think you'll be able to see this modification through the door jamb, but.......
Anyway, the uppermost part of the hinge (that bolts to the hood itself) is the part that is flexing. I dunno if it is fatigued metal, a previously bent hinge, or if something else is causeing this part to "give". I was thinking of welding a "stop" on the hinge to keep it from opening the last few inches. That would make it a LOT easier to close from full open, and eliminate most of the flex, but I don't want my hood to be lower than all the rest at a car show if parked next to other Darts.

I'll get it fingered out, but the bigest obstacle is getting my squeeze to help installing and removing the hood. She doesn't mind helping, but she can't really reach it too well, and it is quite heavy.

George