I don't see why the hook and catch need to be touching at all really. The hook needs to grab when the first latch pops loose, but that is the only time it really needs to touch. The hook is about an inch deep, so why can't I back the hook off a little but not enough to make it miss when the hood starts to raise. Maybe I can separate the two far enough so they don't rub while the hood is fully closed.

I'm not familiar with the '95 hood latch, but I believe that both latches grab the one hook to keep the hood closed, and for the safety latch.