2006 Freightliner Columbia hood latch problem

My hood latch on passenger side will not latch. Started this about 2 months ago when clip on underside of hood that makes contact with body when hood is closed came off and now i have no buffer between hood and body. Went to Freightliner body and was shown where inside front of hood near grille is cracked. The guy said hood will not latch because when closed it does not line up with front of truck (bumper etc) and said they would have to remove, replace what is cracked reheat and paint. Rough estimate is $2900.00 minimum. Does any know of a cheaper solution or has anyone else experienced this problem. Freightliner says they see these all the time which makes me wonder why have they not addressed the issue.

If anyone can shedd some light please do so.

 

thanks, will check a few local body shops and see what they say.