[dsraven]

if you look under a newer vehicle's hood you will see they used a sheet metal stamped brace and took up the gap between the brace and the hood with some adhesive like seam sealer, some have a foamy looking stuff in there that foesn't stick to the hood. a dab here and there. you could use some wax paper between the hood and the adhesive so it doesn't actually stick to the hood and then there would be less chance of distortion on a hot day. even some spray foam insulation would likely work then, a little dab here and there.