In my opinion the best way to repair that hood is to seperate the inner structure to gain access. It takes me less than 45 minutes to spilt them. Carefully drill out the spot welds around the front and sides and peel up the rear and it will slide right out. Much easier to hammer and dolly without the brace in your way. I have repaired at least 3 71 Ramcharger hoods this way. That is a 40 year old hood that stands six feet tall, at this point they all have some evil lurking under the paint. This will be a good way to do it right.