Redline Hood Strust Version 2 issues?

[Evolvd]

(Sorry, misspelled Struts)

So I'm looking at picking up a pair of the Redline hood struts and on their website someone left a 1 star review stating:

The strut brackets Version 2 will not align properly with the hood hinge putting the washer hose bracket out of alignment about 3/8" and throwing off the step in the brackets causing them only hit a small pressure point on the bottom side of the hood. The back side of the strut mount 90 degree bend hits on the front edge of the hood hinge forcing the bracket to angle in-ward. The drivers is the same way

Anyone have the Version 2? Can you confirm or deny this issue? Thanks!

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[Redline Tuning]

[FONT=&quot]For those with any questions about our new version 2 hood brackets - this is a non-issue and the information below with explain what people are seeing.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]First, we designed the entire system (patent-pending) based on vehicle scan data - it is 100% perfect fit. However, due to Ford assembly line build variations with the hood and hinge, there can be slight misalignment with our hood bracket. The misalignment stems from hood being attached slightly further up on the hinge at the factory. When this is done, our bracket rotates around the top hinge bolt and rests on the hood's hinge (see our manual) putting our bracket at a slight angle. This also affects the pass-thru washer hose attachment at the top of bracket.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Note - this version 2 bracket is identical to our first generation bracket in every way other than the extension up onto the hood skin. It allows better support of aftermarket fiberglass and carbon fiber hoods reducing minor flex. However, with the misalignment of the hood and hinge, the new version can have this issue.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]There are a couple simple options to solve this... First, loosen the lower hinge nut just slightly. Then rotate the bracket up into place so the washer hose retention clip hole in the hood aligns with the hole in our hood bracket - this will move the hood a very small amount and you can then snap in the washer hose attachment where required. Then tighten down both nuts. If you do this and the hood seems out of alignment at the nose, you can drill out the main hole in our hood bracket using the supplied step bit. Drilling this hole larger will allow the bracket to rotate up into position without moving the hood much. Be sure to use some touch up paint on the bracket after you do this to prevent corrosion. You won't see the modification once you put the hood nuts back on as they cover the hole.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]We have tested this on many Mustangs in our shop. Most of the Ford hoods are bolted down from the factory within specifications, but some are not. Do not assume that your hood is perfectly aligned from Ford. We have found that many are not and that by putting this bracket on as described above, it will actually bring the hood into alignment - it is a very minor movement. If you are still having issues, please contact us and we will discuss further.[/FONT]
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[Evolvd]

Thank you for the clarification on this issue, I appreciate the forthcoming info!

 

[AR4CE]

I had to loosen my bottom bolt just slightly and it all fell into place- hood alignment not affected.

All's goood, great product. And thanks for the nice step-bit as well.

 

[jc1804]

I've got them on mine & couldnt be happier. There were no issues whatsoever

 

[Evo_Rob]

I just put mine in yesterday. No issues. Hood flexes a bit more than I like but that's the thin hood, not struts. Just don't go closing your hood super fast and I don't think there will be any issues

 

[shobbs007]

I put mine in yesterday, and the washer clip hole was off just enough that the clip wouldn't go in. Will be an easy enough fix, just ran out of time yesterday.

However, are you guys running the washer line inside or outside of the struts? I wasn't paying attention and mine is on the outside. Don't know if there will be any issues down the road. Was going to move it, but couldn't get the strut back off the ball.

Andreas, my brackets arrived last Thursday and in the package this time :-) Thank you.

 

[Redline Tuning]

Steve,
We recommend to run the washer hose between the bracket and the gas spring. Note the picture below shows our Version 1 bracket, but the hose routing is the same.



Please see pictures below on how to remove the gas spring from the bracket:

 

[shobbs007]

Thank you Andreas for the removal pics.

 

[Ultrakla$$ic]

I put mine on my '15 Black GT without an issue and then switched them to my '16 GT without an issue. I didn't even know there was an issue. LOL

 

[plc268]

I bought the version 2 brackets (after I already had the original brackets). Didn't fit for me either. I got the same reply... to loosen the other nut, but I'm not going to do that.

So the brackets have been sitting in my toolbox ever since. Unless someone on here wants em, they'll probably just go in the trash.

 

[Redline Tuning]

I put mine on my '15 Black GT without an issue and then switched them to my '16 GT without an issue. I didn't even know there was an issue. LOL

The "issue" is only for a small amount of vehicles. As we said it comes down the the build tolerance variation at the Flat Rock assembly plant.

 

[zuki_dan]

I recently purchased the Version 2 brackets for my car and it was a simple remove and replace with the new brackets. I did notice with the version 2 brackets they support the thin sheet metal better with less hood flex around the hinge I was getting with the first version.

I would also suggest cutting a slot in the battery cover to the hole so you can remove the battery cover without having to pull the strut.

 

[RIBS]

My version two brackets also required me to loosen both hood bolts and slide my hood slightly forward on the passenger side to get the bracket aligned properly it caused a slight increase In my fender gap on one side and to decrease on the other side. When I get moved in my house and have all my tools I will fix this slight misalignment. Right now I am in an apartment in the misalignment is no worse then when the car came from the factory so I'll live with it for now.

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