Hydraulic Hood lift kit
 

Just did one for myself, showed 2 other Miata owners and got the immediate "dude you gotta hook me up", so was wondering if there was any interest in a less expensive kit than whats out there...

I'll get some pic up in the next couple days, but basically its a single 18" lift support (shock), some hardware and 2 brackets I made. Required making 2 small holes in the hood.

Doesnt shoot up, doesnt have to be forced down...simple 1 handed operation. Doesnt interfere with getting to anything in the engine bay (actually I think its alot more convienent).

Would prob have to buy in bulk to really make it worth while, so I figured I'd gauge some interest first...

Prob looking in the ballpark of $50, and the buyer's would receive something that can be installed in 10min +/-..(tighten 4 bolts/drill 2 holes).

I know miata.net will prob like this, but figured alot of people may have the same issue as me, where I had to carry my old prop in the trunk since my IC pipes woudnt allow it to stay down in its original place...

Anyway let me know!

We need some pics of it. I have been wanting to make something for myself, but haven't had the time. How far does the hood open? Is it just as far as the stock prop rod, or closer to when the hinges actually hit the stops?

Yea, I want to see some pics. I just moved mine to a different spot in the bay and on the hood. Beat and ghetto looking, I could maybe do without looking at it.

Vash-

I'd love a hydraulic hood lift, for the same reason as many here...intercooler piping. However, I'd really be interested in dual rods, one on each side.

i prefer dual.

you said cheaper. what single lifter kit is more than $50?

+1

pics please.

Good questions guys, and I appreciate the feedback...Like I said maybe this will make sense, maybe it wont...

To answer some questions (sorry still working on pics)

1-It opens just as far as the stock rod, maybe a lil more (1/2"-1" max)

2-Alot of you commented on dual rods, which is easily doable, but seeing as the supports are about $25each, that would significantly add to the cost... If you guys are really stuck on duals, I can see what that would run, but Isnt gonna be $50..

3-as far as pricing, all the single lift kits I see are upwards of $69+shipping...
here's a few:http://www.miatamania.com/Shop/Searc...WebCatalogID=0

Mind you the descriptions says STRUTS (implying 2), but the install instructions refer to one ONE..

What I have in mind looks ALOT like the Moss kit, but My brackets are a little different, and the hood bracket is alot smaller (bout 3" long).
Same location more or less in the engine bay.

Again still need to see if this makes sense, and if there's a decent demand, then I'll start playing around with things, and shave costs as much as I can, which will be passed along to you guys...
The struts/balljoints are what costs the most in the kit...If you guys would prefer just the brackets/hardware at a much cheaper price, I could do that....just have to source your own strut/balljoint.
And I like I said I was considering duals on my car as well...but as is, it does NOT need more muscle to lift the hood, so I thought why add cost.....unless the public demands it
Keep the feedback coming guys...gonna try and get some pics, although I'm not truly finished myself yet...

Definitely interested. If it's a nice solution, I'll buy.

As for $20 here or there... I'll take quality over cost. I'll take a quality dual over a single too.

Also, obviously before having a firm price I'd find the best source for the parts, try and buy in bulk, and hopefully cut down on some costs as well...

Taking some shots now, be back with pics in a few...

PS--another thing to figure out on the dual setup is spacing...I was initially planning on putting my single strut on the pssngr side, however there's a lot of crap in that corner and along the fender making it a tight fit...Not ruling it out, just remembering a couple possible issues...Obviously they are out there so it can be done, but its just so simple and clean on the driver's side that I didnt put any further thought into it...

I think duals would be better for 2 reasons:

hood warpage
and long term lifting power.


that being said my ~$100 dual chrome hood lifts don't do a great job of holding the hood up any more when it's really cold. go figure. :vash:

Thats why I'd rather keep it to a single strut for cost...
I'll see how it goes...Maybe I'll do it as a single strut kit, and if anyone wants an extra pair of brackets/hardware for a dual that will be worked out...I'll even give the part# for the strut, this wya its easy to source...

Anyway next post will be pics...

Pics!
 

Ok guys, these again are very crude pics... Everything will be a lil prettier if this all goes through... Not painted/powercoated or anything, btu I do plan on triming a lil more fat from the brackets/hardware..

Pics of mounting points, hood open, hood closed, engine bay (can hardly see it in there), etc...

Those small ass pics are about as useful as Artie when doing a suspension swap.

asshole. lol. at least i paid for dinner for everyone later on. unlike some ppl who promise pizza and never get it.

Geeez, cmon as small as they are I think they can help get the picture across...between these pics, the moss pic, and the moss instructions/schematic, should be enough to let u guys know whats up no?

Liek I said before I take any orders or anythign like that, I'll post a proper thread (w/ permission) that will have GOOD pics of the final product as it will be shipped along with final pricing info....

Just gauge of interest for this thread, wouldnt expect anyone to buy based on those pics alone;)

Just to be clear, Artie is NOT talking about me. I'm a mother fucking baller when it comes to treating my friends to dinner after a tech day at my house.

The shrimp are marinating right now.

Id be interested.

Cool, thanks...

Anyone else, feedback on pics even?

The pics suck, get a better camera or stop resizing them into thumbnails.

When I asked you for pics of the pipes you we selling, I needed a jewelers eyepiece to see what the hell was in them.