FIXED: Hood gap issue b/c of strut bar, cusco brace | updated w/final pics & info Options

[D-Man]

oh sh!t, that's nothing. Yeah just take out enough for the bar to sit there comfortably. you wont even be taking out much of the brace. what, 1/2 inch deep?

really you wouldn't even have to worry about reinforcing it. but still you could if you wanted. dremmel it out, hell you could probably even get it done with a hammer and a pick...

[stevest202]

just elongate the strut bar holes to allow it to sit lower the three that bolt to strut top
same brace it will still just touch but not enough to force bonnet up


bonnet down

[urbandork]

i have that strut and a gt4 hood and while i dont have hood clearance issues i still have issues with that res. tank

[DEATH]

Where its hitting (small dot in center):

Peice of cake [not scratching the hood will be the hardest part]. You know what to do - a little creative hammer work and you're all good. If you hammer it out [or even if you cut it] you shouldn't have anymore worries about the hood flying up as it will be right back to it's design load.

[snapshotgt]

Where its hitting (small dot in center): Picture above

Peice of cake [not scratching the hood will be the hardest part]. You know what to do - a little creative hammer work and you're all good. If you hammer it out [or even if you cut it] you shouldn't have anymore worries about the hood flying up as it will be right back to it's design load.

The only concern i have with this is that right where its rubbing it looks like the hood bracing attaches to the actual hood. Meaning, if i start hammering there (the dot), i might create a bubble on the top of the hood. That would suck. Now i'm seriously considering cutting a small track there.

On a side note: I noticed after taking off my stock bar off that it was cracked! V6 torque maybe?

[Cuts_the_Pilot]

was that strut brace made for the gtfour specifically, as they have the raised "power bulge:P" in the centre of the bonnet, giving the needed clearance.

[snapshotgt]

was that strut brace made for the gtfour specifically, as they have the raised "power bulge:P" in the centre of the bonnet, giving the needed clearance.

Yes, was made for a st205 hood - that is why i'm having this issue. Before i bought it, i was told no issue by members here with it. Thought it would work perfectly...

[D-Man]

and it did, till it no-longer was harboring a st205 engine

[95CelicaST]

and it did, till it no-longer was harboring a st205 engine

No. Engines don't cause strut bars to hit the hood. a HOOD causes strut bars to hit the hood.


I think you'll be okay taking a dremel to that beam and taking out a notch in it, but looking at your picture it appears as though it is lightly hitting on the other two support beams.

[HaRv3sTeR]

i just bought this:

EBAY

you guys know if this bar has the same issue with hood/reservoir with the stock hood/5sfe?

[monkey]

dude, use a hammer and chissel or a dremil and take that lil area out... dont worry about support cuz if its that close than if and i mean if someone sitzs on ur hood its such a tight fit that ur strut bar is right there under it making a stronger support.... lol thats an easy fix....

[GotToyota]

Where are you at in Texas?

-Matt

[snapshotgt]

Update: I have not messed with it much since i've been busy, but...

Hammaring IS NOT an option for me. That metal is too strong, and the hammaring strength needed could bend/bubble the hood.
I'm not worried about people sitting on the hood. I'm worried about vibrations once the 3 braces are cut. This is not where the strength is needed. Yes, i said three - ones on the outside on center need cutting as well.

We'll see. Might do it tomorrow. I'll have to think about the risk of weakening the hood and creating vibrations.

[Jeunesse]

keep us updated on this man... I too have the same problem although I don't have as much gap on the passenger side than you do.

[94yoter]

I had that problem with mine and I just turned it around the other way and it works. But I think my strut brace is a little different than yours.

[snapshotgt]

Issue fixed. Didn't cut whole brace(s) - rather, notched them in the center where they're the highest. No hood gap problem anymore, hood is still strong w/no vibrations etc. 100% happy with it.

Pictures:

[presure2]

colin, make sure you coat those spots you cut out, or you will have rust issues down the road.
ebay POR15, buy a small can, you'll find LOTS of uses for it.

[snapshotgt]

colin, make sure you coat those spots you cut out, or you will have rust issues down the road.
ebay POR15, buy a small can, you'll find LOTS of uses for it.

Oh yeah, one of the first things on my list!
Thanks for the heads up though. I'll see about that ebay thing.

[DEATH]

Hey Snapshot - if you kept the peices you cut out I can weld them back in upside down for you and it'll look nicer and be more like stock strength. Totally unnecessary but you've got such a clean car where the main attraction is under the hood. Might as well have more people pay attn to your engine than some random holes under the hood.
Free of course.

This post has been edited by DEATH: Jun 16, 2008 - 7:45 AM

[snapshotgt]

Hey Snapshot - if you kept the peices you cut out I can weld them back in upside down for you and it'll look nicer and be more like stock strength. Totally unnecessary but you've got such a clean car where the main attraction is under the hood. Might as well have more people pay attn to your engine than some random holes under the hood.
Free of course.

That would be awesome but i did not keep them.
I'm thinking of fitting rubber pipping around the edge(s) by taking a VERY small diameter hose and cutting a slit in it, then working it on - don't know if that makes sense or not...