1g $25 DIY Hood Struts (Cheapest/Easiest Method)

Since nobody offers a hood strut kit for our cars anymore, I decided to make my own after reading a few threads discussing different methods. A lot of what I was reading had some hard to find parts, and I think I have simplified it down as easy as it gets. This only took maybe an hour, including getting the hood lined back up.

All you will need is:

Ball studs:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J8X4SDU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And hood struts from an 02-03 Acura TL:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-xHood-Lif...03-Acura-TL-/282155488054?hash=item41b1c71336

(I'm sure the ebay listing will disappear, so just search for the Acura's struts)

Specs for these are:
Extended Length (inches) 14.13
Compressed Length (inches) 9.53

I was able to get both for only $24 shipped!



Start by taking off your hood and hinges, and prepare to drill your hole. Try to keep them in the same location on both. I honestly just eyeballed height and measured 1/8" in.

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I just happened to have a bit that was the perfect size- the stud actually tapped itself going in. If you do this, use some cutting oil, or wd40 if you're in a hurry, and thread it in slowly, backing off frequently.

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This probably would have been just fine with some loctite.. it was plenty strong. But after cutting down the stud so it wasn't so long (just hit it with a cut off wheel.. you want it nearly flush), I went ahead and hit it with a quick weld on the back of it for added strength. I don't believe there would be enough room to fit a nut back there, but I didn't try. If you don't have access to a welder, maybe put some jb weld on the threads that protrude to keep it from backing out.. should be fine.

Replace this fender bolt with another stud.. it's a direct fit. Throw a washer under it for good measure.

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Now put your hood back on and pop the struts in place!

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It's a pretty tight fit but there's really no way to mess it up. The ball end is just short enough to clear the fender with the strut attached.
Good luck!

 

[91gsxproff]

Hey man, thank you for this, idk but I think somone is using your picture on Amazon

WRDD Lift Support Struts for Mitsubishi Eclipse 1G 1990-1994 Front Hood Bonnet Modify Gas Struts Shock Damper Lift Supports Absorber Struts Hood (Color : Black) https://a.co/d/iDyJ0LS

 

[Paintballaa5]

Hey man, thank you for this, idk but I think somone is using your picture on Amazon

WRDD Lift Support Struts for Mitsubishi Eclipse 1G 1990-1994 Front Hood Bonnet Modify Gas Struts Shock Damper Lift Supports Absorber Struts Hood (Color : Black) https://a.co/d/iDyJ0LS

Haha yea I’ve seen this before. Can you imagine reading this article from 6 years ago showing how to do this for $25 and then bundling a kit for $130 with the pictures from it. Where’s my royalties!

 

[91gsxproff]

Oh okay cool cool. Right! Pay the man his money!

 

[Kropaby]

AliExpress also has a kit with your pictures for $25 + $13 shipping, good thing I searched the topic in English, almost ordered that, haha.
Better find some quality struts for that money and make the mounts myself, I guess

 

[James92]

Just wanted to say thanks for sharing this method, it is the least amount of scavenging and least amount of sweat involved. Procured for little more then $25 by 2025 standards but still worth it. I’d be glad to share images once I’ve completed, if not I at least want to thank you for it.