First the Viper hood does not open or close like the Corvette's. Dropping it like the Vette's will not close it. Opening and closing the Viper's hood is a multi step process.
Once you at the final "opening" point, 2 people would be the ideal to "lift" the hood up, if not, just be sure to lift it at the centermost point at the rear of the hood.
Closing the hood:
Press both hands firmly down atop where the hinges mate to the hood - this is just inboard of the vents - about halfway down the vents (think of the middle vent as the spot, then move inboard on each side about 6 to 8 inches)
Poke your head under the hood and line up where the hinges are to get a good visual. You'll get used to exactly where they are over time.
It does take more force than what I was using originally - I think that my initial force was in direct correlation to the cost of the hood. I found that using a little more force in the right spot did the trick
My logic for this is simple - all stress is being applied to the actual support system for the hood and not in between them, reducing the potential for stress cracking, etc.
Also, I find that first gently closing the hood down completely to where the latch rests against the loop, then opening it up to the intermediate open step before finally shutting it firmly helps. Not sure why but it just does.
After closing the hood down.... press down at both rear corners to make sure they are all the way down before you go to the front to push it down.
Close it with your hands just above the NACA duct.
Give it a pretty good, even push.
