Don't these hoods latch on left and right and also don't they have a 1st and 2nd latch position. I've not closed mine a couple of times but it "catched" on the 1st down position latch. Just curious. I guess neither of the latches "catched" for you. Sorry. I usually slam my hood down and check alignment at fender. Sort of 2nd nature. Good luck hope u find a hood. Mine is a 1982 300 SD and it aluminum (light weight).

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1982 300SD