Passenger side hood hinge - when the hood is shut if I grab the front of the passenger side hood near the headlight bucket I can wiggle it up & down probably 2" - the driver's side has absolutely zero 'vertical slop' whatsoever.

Any idea if this is an adjustment issue (and where do I start) or is this refurbished hood hinge shot and it's time to scrounge up a new hinge?

I thank you in advance for reading/replying!

Check the hood spring. I've been able to a observe about a 2 inch movement when the spring is not installed properly or has come loose from its location. Also check spring tension the springs over time it may have weekend and may need also to be replaced even if installed properly and seem to be working OK.

If the hinges are worn out there will be a lot of play in the joints and the a they might actually have a gaps where it at the connection points that you can see through.

Just sounds like the bolts are loose. Did you check them?

If it just the bolts then there are 3 12mm bolts on either side, you will have to remove the front grill then close the hood and hold the front of the hood down with hand and tighten 2 bolts on each side then lift the hood to get to the 3rd bolt.

Just sounds like the bolts are loose. Did you check them?

I only have 2 per side

I will definitely check the bolts - there is no horizontal slop whatsoever, only vertical. The driver's side cannot be budged at all - if the hood spring was weak/dying wouldn't both hinges have slop in them?

I would definitely check your bolts. Unles that hinge os busted, I don't see how you would have 2 inches of play.

I'm referring to the bolts that hold the hinge assembly to the body, I found that's where I got the best adjustment.

I only have 2 per side

I will definitely check the bolts - there is no horizontal slop whatsoever, only vertical. The driver's side cannot be budged at all - if the hood spring was weak/dying wouldn't both hinges have slop in them?

if was the springs was bad it could create this issue. My z car that I am currently restoring the inner fender on driver side is slightly pushed in putting extra tension on the spring and occasionally pops loose. When it pops loose it does what you explained