To get my 16" to fit, I removed my vertical support and discarded it. Then I relocated the actual latch mechanism from above the support to below, after some trimming of tabs and such. Then the entire latch assembly was relocated about an 1" higher on the radiator support.
I discarded the spring on the hood post to help with the decreased distance. Now when I pull the latch, it doesn't spring up. It's a two hand operation to open the hood. One hand pulls the latch, the other releases the safety catch and lifts the hood. Works really well and is a great security check too.
This was all easier than it sounds and at a glance looks completely stock.