They have recently come out with some stuff with a funny name called WD-40 that when sprayed on these hinges makes them work much better and keeps you from having to have the hood stiffeners. :p
Might ask around I am sure some stores near you could special order it.
I bought a 74 Blazer recently that has not been registered in nearly 20 years. Needless to say the hood was a chore to open and closing it took multiple applications of WD-40. Now it opens and closes pretty easily but it already had the bend in it slightly.
Brad