OK, a few people have asked about these hood supports, so here is the
information that I have.  It is a simple install, so here are the notes
I took for just this purpose.  Please note that the instructions and
results apply to the lifts that I got from Pep Boys.  They may or may
not apply to the other versions.  Also, do one at a time to avoid
problems like having 2 of the four bolts off of the hood at one time,
etc.

As always, the usual disclaimers apply.

Options:
Pep Boys pro-lifts: part #92516      ($32.99/side)  (Thanks Mike Bigus)
Auto Zone mighty-lifts: part #E95212     ($40.00 total according to
Jason Whipple)
Jamex kit  ($45.00? according to Jason Whipple)
Bonrath kit  ($124.95 from New Dimensions)
Neuspeed P-lifts  ($124.95 from APS)

Tools needed:
Two hood struts
4 extra washers (ones closer to the size of the originals)
various sockets
drill/bits up to 9/32"

--remove strut from package and check parts.  included should be (in
each package):
---1 strut
---2 ball joint ends (1 silver, 1 black)
---2 washers (you'll substitute the larger ones for these)

--paint washers to match car (not necessary, but looks better IMO)
--remove bolt closest to front of car from the hood supports
--install the black (longer) ball joint end with washer into the open
hole and tighten (being careful not to move the hood in its mounts)
--remove the corresponding screw in the fender -- it should be obvious;
check to make sure with the strut
--drill the fender hole to 9/32" -- I used bits in small increments, but
I don't know if that is necessary
--tap threads carefully with the hood bolt that you removed
--install silver (shorter) ball joint end and washer into fender  (Jason
Whipple also removed the fender liner and added a nut to the bottom -- a
good idea -- I didn't, and haven't had any problems, though)
--snap strut onto ball joint ends *with the strut body closest to the
fender* (this is opposite of the Neuspeed and Bonrath kits)
--close hood gently to make sure everything clears
--remove hood rod


hope this helps
-erik

Hi Todd;

When I installed the hood struts, I followed some directions that were once
posted to the list...  They said to take the bolt that you removed from the
hood-hinge and use it to tap the hole in the fender.  It worked great for me
and I didn't think I'd need a nut on the back.  I used the struts from
Auto-Zone "Mighty Lifts"... I don't know if that's the kind Western Auto has
or not.

Let me know if you need any more help.  It sounds like you're just putting
in one strut - I used two, but the hood almost jumps out of my hands.  One
may do it.

Good luck, and see you at Treffen..

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Cleland					clelandstlnet
98 Jetta GLX
Black/Biber


[...]

For anyone interested, i have posted the instructions **including pictures**
of the Hood struts.
the address is: 
i am also looking for someone to host it permenatly...i am working on my
real site and only have 5megs of space and am running low.

Oh, yeah...and for all you people looking to by Dual rounds... visit my
experience at:
http://user.gru.net/stewartmc/lights/lights.html

please email me with any questions on anything

Michael Stewart


>>PS I was wondering...i got a digital camera and would not mind taking
>>pictures of the finished product
>>(wish i would have thought of it before i started!!) If you want i can
take
>>pictures so there are some visual cues to go with the awesome instructions
>>you have....its veery easy with the mavica
>
>This is a great idea! Why don't you post your experience to the list and
>offer the instructions and pics to everyone. Or even better, ask if
>anyone with a VW-centric web page would like to put them on their page.
>Credits can go to you, me and erik (who wrote the original instructions).
>
>
>
>
>

--
For info on: how to subscribe & unsubscribe, the list's tech/how-to
    library, etc.  see:   

At 11:55 6/4/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>ne1 know the part # for the autozone hood lifts the archive`s r pretty much
>empty!!!!!!! or the price on the neuspeed 1`s?

If you go to autozone there is a tap set, brand "great neck" that has 4 
taps, and one of them matches the thread on the Autozone lifts. It costs 
like 8 bucks. If you buy that your life will be a LOOOOOT 
easier. Definitely worth it.

If you like I can mosey out to my toolbox and get the part # for you.

Cheers,

Alfonso.

You can just use the bolt that you take out of the hinge that connects to
the hoods. Start the thread by hand and then crank the fricken thing down.
It works no problem..... I've done three vw's this way, not one problem.

Kevin

Well, last night was momumental(hey!...winning little battles brings you closer to winning the war!).

Hoodlifts:
I reversed the hoodlifts so that the body of the strut was attached to the fender, and the piston was attached to the hood. The hood finally sits flush, even with two struts on there. It raises like a beeyatch!!

Factory CD changer:
The assembler at the factory musta' had too much cerveza because the CD changer's position screw was set for HORIZONTAL...not VERTICAL. It doesn't skip now! Woo Hoo!

Thanks for all the help boys & girls!!...I really appreciate all the replies!

Paul
'98 GTI VR6 (Back in Black!)