DIY Hood lift

[ctrench]

Ive been gone a while, and a lot has changed, but im back at it. So to start off im going to say this isnt much of a cheaper option considering a kit is $60 and doing it this way will be about $30 but i love tinkering so i enjoyed doing it my way. Here we go.

PARTS LIST:
5.5" length by 1" width by 3/16" thick metal plate
2 ball studs and associated hardware
1 strong arm 4644 lift http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/strong-arm-lift-support-d4644/5941970-P?searchTerm=4644


To start out you cut 2.5" off the plate and bend it to make a 90* with a bench vise
http://s27.postimg.org/598q3xlw3/IMG_0472.jpg

http://s27.postimg.org/ayoyo8s2b/IMG_0474.jpg

Then we drill 2 holes one on each side of the 90* (size depends on your ball stud diameter)
http://s27.postimg.org/du6n8ulg3/IMG_0475.jpg

Use this hole to mount the bracket to
http://s27.postimg.org/v8ma3dt77/IMG_0462.jpg

http://s27.postimg.org/t5buvpteb/IMG_0463.jpg

Bolt ball stud to 90* bracket and attatch shock
http://s27.postimg.org/3ntgc4bo3/IMG_0464.jpg

http://s27.postimg.org/z8tffmjo3/IMG_0465.jpg

I dont have many pics of the next part, but with the shock attatched to the lower bracket use that length to find the location to mount the upper ball stud on the hood, and drill the hole
http://s27.postimg.org/4fw4bbfv7/IMG_0466.jpg

I used the remainder of the metal plate to drill a hole in and weld a nut to for easy install of the ball stud. Just slide this metal piece into the hood through the lower/bigger openings then just screw your ball stud into the plate
http://s27.postimg.org/j5gyfti4z/IMG_0461.jpg

Now attatch the upper shock to the ball and youre good to go!!
http://s27.postimg.org/ktg3ugw0j/IMG_0471.jpg

http://s27.postimg.org/3rn9sdh5f/IMG_0470.jpg

[Golden Stallion]

I would recommend making it a dual strut design. I have at least heard of people's hoods kind of leaning because the hood is only supported on one side. i just installed my r speed dual strut kit and i could see my hood already leaning when i was mounting the second strut, i had to lift it up because the hoods are so flimsy. but nice job making your own, though about but don't have access to tools like welders and stuff.

[iKhanh]

you had to take off the front bumper and lights just to do that? lol

[Phatmiata]

pretty sure that is just another one of many projects he is working on.

[iKhanh]

Lol yeah I guessed. Just teasing was all =)

[ctrench]

yeah im working on a brush gaurd style front and rear bumper. I finally got a daily driver, so i can tear the miata apart.

and something like this..
http://s27.postimg.org/cvlvfg9pf/IMG_0332.jpg