I want to thank all the members of the list that responded to my questions. The responses answered my questions:
1. The front wing braces Kick or Jog to the front of the car.
2. The bonnet latches rotate "up over the top" when latching or unlatching. My confusion came because I was following Sherrell's description on page 205 while looking at the picture of the latches on page 204 of his book. The picture shows the nearside latch on the right side and the offside latch on the left side - and there came my confusion - I switched latches based on the picture.
I also want to thank Cliff Knight for sending me the 8 screws and nuts for mounting the bonnet latches (They are perfect) and Charles Hill for sending bolts for mounting the firewall (He has a story on that).
I've been in a bunch of different car clubs, most recently a Thunderbird Club (having owned a 1955 for close to 20 years) and have never been associated with a group that is so willing to help and really enjoy their cars. It's nice being associated with such a group!!!
Thanks Guys (and gals - I want to be politically correct)
Mark Stolzenburg