‘67 Barracuda hood not “aligning”

The gaps are consistent on all 4 sides of the hood, but the hood looks like it is bowing up at the cowl and the sides. The sides of the hood look like they are bowing up, hitting on the side bumpers (and they’re too stiff).

Is the answer to realign at the cowl? Or is it possible the new cowl seal and side bumpers are too stiff?

LOL, in an act of frustration, I put the side bumpers in bondage and it has helped a bit (see photo). Has me tempted to cut the hood bumpers to allow them to collapse.

Thanks in advance.
48A8418C-7FCB-4737-BDB7-33101D54C930.jpeg