Hood Adjustment

After many months ... it looks like I'll have my steel hood ready to go on my 62" Plymouth this week. It is the original hood and original hinges, but has not been on the car since I've owned it. I'm looking for any pointers on how to go about lining it up with the least amount of agony :) These old hoods are heavy as heck so I don't want to be messing around with it more than needed. I am thinking of putting the hinges on the car first, and attaching the hood to them. Should I put the springs on before the hood? Should I concentrate adjustment to the hood to hinge interface - or also include adjustment of the hinge to car interface?

Also - The hinges are painted the same base / clear as the car, but I am thinking this paint system is too think and hard for the springs. Any thoughts on what to use on the springs? I'm honestly just thinking about some satin black Rustoleum?
Author: Stumper