[robtdonna]

Installed the hood strut kit from Aliexpress today. A little 'interesting' getting the nuts fished into place, but that was expected. Works great, I just KNOW I would one day pull down on the hood with the prop rod still up and bend it!!!

While we had a break in weather went ahead and painted that rear suitcase muffler black.

 

[childoffire79]

How'd you paint the muffler? I think it's galvanized and paint won't adhere well.

 

[robtdonna]

Plastidip. I've used it on motorcycles with success.

 

[Mike34]

Aloha! @robtdonna

which hood strut kit did you use? The one that attaches to the hood hinge and fender? Or the one that attaches to the hood and suspension strut?
Aloha mike

 

[robtdonna]

Aloha! @robtdonna

which hood strut kit did you use? The one that attaches to the hood hinge and fender? Or the one that attaches to the hood and suspension strut?
Aloha mike

Hood and suspension strut.

 

[childoffire79]

Pictures would do your post justice.

 

[robtdonna]

Pictures would do your post justice.

I can do that, but it looks like all the rest of the pics of the hood strut kits! LOL, nothing special here. Do you have a specific question that I or a pic can answer?

 

[childoffire79]

I appreciate it. I haven't seen a good pic of this kit actually my man.

 

[robtdonna]

I appreciate it. I haven't seen a good pic of this kit actually my man.

No worries, will prob wait until tomorrow, is a gloomy/rainy day here, not great for pis, tomorrow promises to be sunny.

 

[GTAcruz]

I can do that, but it looks like all the rest of the pics of the hood strut kits! LOL, nothing special here. Do you have a specific question that I or a pic can answer?

Actually, I'd like to see the height of the bracket at the base

I have the
TSUBASA Lift Supports in carbon fibre green... I just haven't opened the package - waiting for better weather...

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BNYZR1BF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Thanks

 

[robtdonna]

Actually, I'd like to see the height of the bracket at the base

I have the
TSUBASA Lift Supports in carbon fibre green... I just haven't opened the package - waiting for better weather...

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BNYZR1BF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Thanks

Looks like the same kit except for the finish of the struts being available in colors. Rain has let up I'll see if I can get any decent pics. The base bracket is just under 4 inches, I measured to make sure it'd clear the hood.

 

[robtdonna]

OK, took a few passable pics. I'll get more when the weather cooperates.

 

[GTAcruz]

OK, took a few passable pics. I'll get more when the weather cooperates.

Thanks - did you have to cut the base bracket at all - I've read other posts on here in which they had to cut the bracket (wrong size, didn't want to wait for new part - via slow boat from China)

 

[robtdonna]

Nope, no cutting. Took just over three weeks to receive.

 

[gkend]

Thanks - did you have to cut the base bracket at all - I've read other posts on here in which they had to cut the bracket (wrong size, didn't want to wait for new part - via slow boat from China)

I cut mine and rounded the corners just because I thought it looked better. Not required.

 

[childoffire79]

I have a strut bar. It looks like it utilizes that spot unfortunately..

 

[Mike34]

Thanks - did you have to cut the base bracket at all - I've read other posts on here in which they had to cut the bracket (wrong size, didn't want to wait for new part - via slow boat from China)

Yep that was me. They did, eventually sent the right brackets. So in the end it worked out. But yeah took about a month in total time. Same set up as @robtdonna.

I may still purchase the fender/hinge kit. As the current struts don‘t really assist when opening. You have to assist the struts in opening. Once open they hold no problem. Maybe I’m just being too picky? Just all the other kits I’ve used on Mazda, Fiat and others always pushed right up when opened.

I guess the Struts I currently have could be the wrong Size? Stroke?

Anyways! Mahalo @robtdonna for your response.

Aloha mike

 

[robtdonna]

Yep that was me. They did, eventually sent the right brackets. So in the end it worked out. But yeah took about a month in total time. Same set up as @robtdonna.

I may still purchase the fender/hinge kit. As the current struts don‘t really assist when opening. You have to assist the struts in opening. Once open they hold no problem. Maybe I’m just being too picky? Just all the other kits I’ve used on Mazda, Fiat and others always pushed right up when opened.

I guess the Struts I currently have could be the wrong Size? Stroke?

Anyways! Mahalo @robtdonna for your response.

Aloha mike

Perhaps the struts, like the brackets, are sized wrong, also. My hood doesn't shoot right up, but opens OK. Very similar to my KIA Sorento that I traded in on the Cruz, and it came from the factory with hood struts.

 

[childoffire79]

They are probably generic under powered chinese junk. The idea is good and the engineered brackets are the important thing but I'm sure a better strut once measured from the kit could be sourced.

 

[Mike34]

Perhaps the struts, like the brackets, are sized wrong, also. My hood doesn't shoot right up, but opens OK. Very similar to my KIA Sorento that I traded in on the Cruz, and it came from the factory with hood struts.

here’s the measurements for my current struts. If you get a chance perhaps you could see if yours are similar?
Aloha mike