MRT Hood Struts

[jholtz]

As there will always be other options other than our Hood QuickLIFT system, we want consumers to be informed before making a decision purchase. For such a simple product, we spent over a year with this design... final function (lifting and closing along with full-open force) are the keys to this system. For this particular system, mounting locations for a bolt-in system are extremely limited, thus the need for us to patent our design.

What you will see when our competition release their systems is that they will all rely on a lower pivot point that is much closer to the hood's hinge along with their extending bracket that runs up the hood from the hinge to a floating attachment. This method works well for packaging, but not for function. The gas springs have no leverage to lift and hold open the hood, so the force needs to rise high and the bad side effect being that the hood has no stay-open-force. It will fall with the lowest pull-down force. All of our competitors will rely on a lower lifting point that starts inches from the hood pivot location, resulting in nearly zero lifting force and major problem when full open, the slightest breeze will drop the hood. So, all of the being said, we looked long and hard at developing this system always with 'function' first and foremost - if they do not work, why put them on?





Customers will always have choices and an informed customer will make the best choice. We have been designing hood lift systems for over 13 years and stand behind our design and our products.

Hi Andreas,

I appreciate your very responsive customer service. I have a few questions about your hood strut lift kits;

1. What are the differences between your Elite and Plus kits? The warranty is longer on the Elite. Does that mean the struts are of better quality in the Elite kit?

2. If struts fail after the warranty, are they commonly available or are they custom designed to your specs and would require a purchase from Redline?

Thanks!

Jim

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[tsunami]

I have decided to go with the RedlLine Struts. An earlier discussion on the MRTs stated that the included hood bracket stiffened the hood...so I nearly ordered the MRTs.
But a short while ago, someone else showed their MRT installation and noted that installation requires loosening both hood bolts. With both hood bolts loose, the hood shifted and they had to carefully realign the hood position. In addition, the brackets lifted the rear of the hood slightly. The Redline brackets only require one bolt to be removed and refastened...no chance of the hood shifting position.
My conclusion...don't rush to buy an add-on for your Mustang until you have seen at least two brands.

 

[Redline Tuning]

Hi Andreas,

I appreciate your very responsive customer service. I have a few questions about your hood strut lift kits;

1. What are the differences between your Elite and Plus kits? The warranty is longer on the Elite. Does that mean the struts are of better quality in the Elite kit?

2. If struts fail after the warranty, are they commonly available or are they custom designed to your specs and would require a purchase from Redline?

Thanks!

Jim

Hello Jim,
To answer your questions:

1) Functionally the PLUS and ELITE systems are the same it's all about aesthetics. We salt spray test our black gas springs in the PLUS system to the industry standard 150 hours per ASTM B117, so they match the OEM requirements for under hood corrosion resistance. The ELITE system features a marine grade 316L Stainless steel gas spring which has even better corrosion resistance than our black gas springs. The internals are the same.

2) Our gas springs are manufactured for us to our specifications and we cycle test them for over 50,000 applies. We have been engineering Hood QuickLIFT systems for over 13 years and have had very few issues (less than 0.5%) with failed gas springs. We have had many customers talk to us at events with our systems on their Mustangs for over 10 years. That being said, we do have replacements available directly from our website.

Regards,
Andreas

 

[jholtz]

Hello Jim,
To answer your questions:

1) Functionally the PLUS and ELITE systems are the same it's all about aesthetics. We salt spray test our black gas springs in the PLUS system to the industry standard 150 hours per ASTM B117, so they match the OEM requirements for under hood corrosion resistance. The ELITE system features a marine grade 316L Stainless steel gas spring which has even better corrosion resistance than our black gas springs. The internals are the same.

2) Our gas springs are manufactured for us to our specifications and we cycle test them for over 50,000 applies. We have been engineering Hood QuickLIFT systems for over 13 years and have had very few issues (less than 0.5%) with failed gas springs. We have had many customers talk to us at events with our systems on their Mustangs for over 10 years. That being said, we do have replacements available directly from our website.

Regards,
Andreas

Hi Andreas,

Again thank you for the very quick response and detailed answer. I apologize but I do have one more question. How high does the front of the hood need to be lifted before the struts take over and raise it to full open? The reason I ask is like most Mustang owners, the hood needs to be shut briskly (slammed) from at least 12" or more. I don't mind this but I want to make sure the struts are not active at that point and will allow the extra force.

Thank you again for your excellent customer service. That does earn you business!

Jim

 

[Redline Tuning]

Hi Andreas,

Again thank you for the very quick response and detailed answer. I apologize but I do have one more question. How high does the front of the hood need to be lifted before the struts take over and raise it to full open? The reason I ask is like most Mustang owners, the hood needs to be shut briskly (slammed) from at least 12" or more. I don't mind this but I want to make sure the struts are not active at that point and will allow the extra force.

Thank you again for your excellent customer service. That does earn you business!

Jim

Jim,
Please see the link to the video below as it shows the gas springs take over @ around 20". Our QuickLIFT system will not effect the closing of the hood.

 

[jholtz]

Jim,
Please see the link to the video below as it shows the gas springs take over @ around 20". Our QuickLIFT system will not effect the closing of the hood.

Perfect! Thanks Andeas!

Jim

 

[Anthony]

Remove all them covers. Useless worthless weight. Engine cover/ rocker covers too

 

[jholtz]

Hi Jim..haven't heard from my "older brother" for awhile. I've used the Red Line struts on different vehicles. I like them a lot...and easy to install.....have them on my '14 GT. No issues that I have ever noticed. Now, some people are getting "all crazy" about have to put a small hole in the "cheap plastic" battery cover...but, to me, no big deal. My battery is in the exact same position and has no cover...they just started this in '15.....

Take care!

Gary

Hi Gary,

After considering the information and great customer service Andreas offered, I decided to order Redlines. They are scheduled for delivery on Monday and will be installed before the end of the day.

Cutting the hole was never a technical concern, I simply was trying to keep the car so it could be converted back to factory very easily. The more I thought about the struts, I though WTH, who's going to care if it has a prop rod installed. The video was the real sales tool for me. The hood opens very smooth.

Also, I bought a can of silicone lock lube and the hood now shuts from around 6" with just a little help. That took the concerns about hood closure away. The other thing was having to mess with hood alignment. I didn't want to mess with it on this new of car. The Redline installation made it very simple.

I appreciate your and others feedback on your experiences. I'll do a quick review after I get them installed.

Jim

 

[JustSpeed7]

Can you take the redline logo off the struts? I just want a plain black set with no writing or anything on them.

 

[RR STANG]

I don't see why not. It is just a sticker. I wanted 1 with no sticker also but it grew on me. lol

 

[tsunami]

The Redline decals are two rectangular labels. One, a larger rectangle, is the Redline name and a second smaller rectangle with the part number and a warning. I allowed the tubes to warm up and then carefully peeled the larger label off. I chose to leave the much smaller label on...so that if I ever have to replace the tube, the part number is right there.
I am quite impressed with Redline. I did not have to run to my local hardware store! The order even included the 3/4 inch stepped drill bit!

 

[Redline Tuning]

I am quite impressed with Redline. I did not have to run to my local hardware store! The order even included the 3/4 inch stepped drill bit!

Thanks!

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