Hi Josh;
Your not the first one with this problem Bennett has a fix.
You can go with Bennetts Small Actuators and a Small Spacer. That would drop the upper hinge down a lot. Call up Bennett and ask for Thomas he will explain it for you and give you the exact drop down length. Part # A1200S with a 1" spacer.
FellowShip
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Just for the Grins
Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner