Here is a message I sent to Redline Tuning a couple of days ago (July 16, 2003). I have not received a response yet.
I installed the hood lift kit today, in my 98.5 SVT Contour and came across 3 issues with clearance. First thing is that the instructions were followed as far as mounting the fasteners to the hood and fender. Now, when the struts are installed, body side connected to the hood, shaft side connected to the fender, the struts touch one of the bolts that affixes the fenders and doesn't allow the hood to close as the strut bodies push up the side of the hood. Problem almost resolved but reversing the struts, shaft side connected to the hood. Next clearance issues, the end that attaches to the hood, when hood is closed, protrudes too far outboard and downward, and touches the fender lip It has already chewed up the paint on the inside of both of my fenders. I would figure that a slightly shorter hood pin would allow the strut end to move more upwards and inboard. I have had to modify the fender to try to clear the end, and also file away some of the material on the sides strut ends, but it still touches. One thing about the strut body, even with strut inverted, one bolt, on each fender, that holds the fender in place, still touches the strut body. I am thinking that the fender pin should be taller than the one supplied. Lastly, on one of the strut ends, where you insert the holding clip, one of the holes was broken apart (first hole to insert pin). I still managed to get the clip to stay on, but based on your instructions, this is not a safe situation, and I feel the one end should be replaced.
Has anyone else experienced these clearance issues?
