67 A/C heater box rebuild and install help

Almost done with the ac, but Im thinking the hook to hook fresh air box to the cowl is the wrong one. We got it with the car and knowing the prev owner I would say its the correct one, but take a look at the pics. There is a gap of at least 1" that cant be taken up as the bolt that goes under the bottom of the box is threaded in all the way. I measured inside the box from the top of the seal to the bottom inside the box and its 10", but the rod length is 11"...what gives?? I know we could just cut the rod at the top an rebend it, but I dont wanna do something to bugger it up....any ideas??

Thanks
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