Radiator Hood Seal Too Stiff?

[ermarccio]

I have a 68 Barracuda and I can't close the hood when I installed the new radiator hood seal. It's from Year One so I think it's made by Soft Seal, but not positive. I have it installed correctly with the opening facing forward. Is there a trick to getting these to work?

 

[ValiantOne]

Yeah the opening goes forward, that is correct. Push the hood down on it and see if you can find any pinch or interference points. If not maybe soften it a little with a heat gun and close the hood so it forms to the hood/core suppt. I can tell you mine is very stiff, but it is prolly original too, sooooo....

 

[ermarccio]

I tried the heat suggestion, but it didn't make a difference for me. I also tried tying it up over night to compress the seam along the length of it. No luck. Any other suggestions? I saw a picture of someone else's on here where they had cut holes in the ends. Maybe to clear the hood bump stops. Is that common?