Hood clearance, and heatsoak!

[Rusherific]

Does anyone know the '64 carb to hood clearance, or a smart way of figuring it out? The air filter is looking like it's had better days and I figure I might as well put a shiny new cleaner in while I'm at it--but I don't know what will fit. Also since it's a CA original car I've got the breather recycler to deal with, but I'm assuming since we're all exempt I can just ditch it--or will that mess with something?

Also I'm pretty sure I have heatsoak/vaporlock issues. Sometimes if I make more than a couple engine-off stops in a trip I have trouble starting, or sit in traffic for a while start missing (it used to stall even, but hasn't for a long time). Has anyone else had this problem? I know you can wrap the fuel lines, space the carb, get an electric fan etc. but these are only band-aids to me. What causes this problem? My coolant is fresh and full and the system seems fine: if I run the engine rpms up to pump faster when stopped I can watch the temp drop, but obviously I cant do this when i'm parked and off somewhere!

Thanks
Devin