Half price hood struts

People realize right, that there are 3 important factors in the ram, extended length, compressed length and strength? If you get them too strong, your hood bends. Too weak and it wont hold up the hood. Just sayin. But I bet you have already thought this out...

 

On the website I listed, it says applications (hood, window, trunk, ect)

 

Those look like they may be too short. Looks like they are only 18 ish inches long...

I suppose you could mount the top a little closer to the hood hinge to make up for it...

I did find these by changing the part number:

Two Rear Hatch Gas Charged Lift Supports for 2009-2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. Left or Right Side. WGS-213-2

https://www.amazon.com/Charged-Supp...=WGS-213-2&qid=1553253629&s=automotive&sr=1-1

Not sure about lifting weight/pressure.

 

Got some goodies, everything looks and feel sturdy, impressed.
Now the fun part.

 

If there a little shorter , the hood will be not opening up as high , not a big deal, good luck

 

I'm all for saving money on mods and hope yours works out for you.

I guess I'm just a bit "chicken" when it comes to freelancing a mod which I can buy with confidence and have a warranty on for $100. But that's just my take and I guess there's some satisfaction and fun associated with engineering it yourself.

 

After reading all this I just had to say I got the Redline, very good quality, best thing I put on my 17....
My 03 Taco kept rusting where the hood rod sits in the hole of the hood, had to sand and paint area several times, so now both have struts, no rust worries......just saying.......

 

Except for the rust where you drilled holes in the hood.

 

Thats why you self etching primer it, then paint it, then clear it, then a layer of fluid film inside the holes, then you put the hood struts on.

 

Do they bolt right into existing holes?
Sometimes I value my time more than futzing around trying to save a few bucks.

 

You have to drill 8 holes and the brackets are secured with pop rivets. That hole drilling is what puts a lot of people off, but in reality on the upper brackets it's a hole in the reinforcing part of the hood and not the actual hood sheet. Only way to f up the drilling is to not secure your drill bit with some sort of stop to keep it from punching through and going into the actual hood. I too value my time and thought the $100 for the kit which comes with a warranty was well worth it. However, as I pointed out if it's a project that doing the engineering yourself is satisfying to you, then go for it.

 

Moving along nicely so far.
Using rivnuts.

Project update.
The struts are perfect, correct force, sturdy all metal construction.
My issue is with one sets of brackets.
Since these are 3/4" offset, it makes the left and right sides off by 3/4".
It can work, but my OCD doesn't allow it.
See pic below. So i need a common set of brackets.
Also, rivnuts are overkill, regular rivets are just fine.

I guess if you want to avoid all of this, just buy Redline.

Waiting for you OP.

 

Yup Redline, pre engineered, color instructions and Stainless rivets. Like anything else everybody’s installing which needs drilling of course you’re going to paint the holes....then I sprayed inner cavity spray wax sealer around riveted areas. No worries! Even the dealer mechanics like it.......

 

Got my stuff today, mounts all look great. Only issue I see is that I may of gotten too strong of struts. They are 50lbs of force each, and are really heavy duty. Im going to install it all and see how it works this weekend.

 

Can you explain more on the rivet nuts (shape, size, type)? I have a different project I’m working on but also under the hood. I’m considering getting a gun for the compressor and not sure what type (spin spin, spin pull, pull to pressure) to get for thin sheet metal. I think pull to pressure based on the little reading I’ve done. I would use a regular rivet but it’s not possible and obviously both sides aren’t accessible so I thought this would be the best (maybe only option).

Thank you

 

Check around to a few local body shops, they generally have the big rivet nut guns used for replacing license plate mounts. Might be worth it more to just pay them a few but to run a few in for you than buying a rivet gun and rivets.

You would just need to make sure its all prepped and ready for them to put in the nuts.

 

sorry to derail

This is definitely an option but I do find it rather rewarding to learn and do things myself. I do have limits but I don’t think this is one

I was thinking of getting an air rivet nut setter and not the hand gun. I bought the air riveter from harbor freight for 40$ when I did the hood struts because I have a compressor, seemed easier to use and didn’t cost that much more. I did look for an air nut setter after going to your link and it doesn’t look like the price will be similar to the riveter I bought so looks like the one linked might be best after all. It might be awkward to use in the intended location (on the under hood side near latch)



That still leaves my question on the type of rivet nuts to use under the hood though? I found this link that showed me there are many options to considered https://blog.baysupply.com/5-tips-for-uses-and-installation-of-rivet-nuts and the only option I know I want is the closed end. So in a nutshell I plan on attaching the Baja rock light near the latch on underside of hood on that angled section behind the rubber “flap”.

Edit: after reading I think I may go with a ss rivnut plus nut. I think I read it’s less strain on thin sheet metals during Install- makes since since its slotted, which also has the benefit of a wide clamping area and since it’s just for a small rock light I don’t need the strength which it should have plenty. I just need to make sure I have enough depth behind. This is the link I used for my decision. http://www.rivet-nut.com/assets/complete_rivnut_catalog_product_guide.pdf

 

I like that idea. Wiring?

 

Yes there is a near by hole I’ll use a push pin zip tie mount and then run it inside the reinforcements (at least that’s the plan, haven’t fully looked at the route). I’ll wrap with the tech flex and either follow the windshield washer line and utilize those mounts to secure/hide wire. It will be a longer harness but easier to hide/ blend in with the washer hose

Edit: I just didn’t want to do the led strip lights