Mathew - thanks, I've tried this once, but I think i'll try it again, when I've an extra pair of hands with me. I've also wondered if I can loosen and reposition the strap at the rear where the top is affixed to the body.
I'm thinking if I loosen all of these, attach the hood to the windsheild header and then retighten all the bolts, it might work. Possibly even 'slot' the bolt holes by a fraction of an inch to get them lower?
Unfortunately, the clutch gave up on me last week, so that will likely be my first job!
Thanks for the help. I'll give it a try. Mike