Removing your molding now would probably leave screw marks in the template holes, which would not be concours correct. I'd leave the hood molding on and plead the dealer accessory rule at an MCA show.
Send restoration questions to: Resto Roundup, c/o Bob Perkins, Perkins Restoration, North 3123, Highway 16 & 26, Juneau, WI 53039. Send e-mail to: mustang.monthly@primedia.com.