I need help from a shoebox guy.

I'm having problems lining up the front sheet metal on my 49. I suspect the problem is where the underhood panels and the attached front metal attach to the core support. As you can see in the photo my core support extends almost 3" above the horizontal piece in the foreground of the photo. I need to know what the actual measurement should be. If anybody can help I'd greatly appreciate it.

 

Is there supposed to be a photo here??

 

Sorry,
My wife came in yapping at me and I got sidetracked. Here it is. Let me clarify a bit. I laid the straightedge flat on the horizontal piece and scribed a line on the core support. thats the line you see at the base of the rule

 

lossen everthing up and get that lined up there is not alot of adjustment shoeboxes **** for alinement

 

This is an On Going issue with 49-51 Fords. I had 3 days getting mine to this point. With mix and match parts from several cars it's a **** shoot at best. I don't think there is any specific process. Just take your time, walk away once in a while and just look at what you have. Also I added a brace under the top tank to tie the top together to stop the weight of the fenders from spreading the hood gap apart.
The Wizzard

 

I should have added that a tape measure does you NO good when it comes to good gap and fit.

 

1-3/4" on my 51

 

I've got a new bottle of gin. I'm going to go consult with it for a while. Everybody's comments are exactly on point. This is like trying to nail jello to wall.