How to Install Redline Tuning Quicklift Hood Struts on Your 1979-1998 Mustang

Step 1 - Unpack QuickLIFT kit and verify contents.

Remove all items from the packing tube. You should have the following before beginning:

• (2) Gas-Charged Springs (RT-QL-200-5A)
• (4) 3/16" multi-grip rivets - (used on outer holes of hood brackets)
• (2) 3/16" Aluminum high adhesion rivets (used on center hole of hood brackets)
• (4) 5/16" head sheet metal screws
• (2) Fender Steel brackets (larger brackets)
• (2) Hood Steel brackets (smaller brackets)
• Printed Instructions

Step 3 - Mark centerline of hood bracket.

1979-1993 Vehicles use 21-5/8" measurement

A. Place a 3" piece of masking tape on the edge of the hood as shown below. Run the tape along the edge of the hood centering around 21" from the hinged corner of the hood.

B. Place a mark at exactly 21-5/8" on the masking tape from the hinge corner of the hood as shown. Mark both sides the same way and verify your measurement.

NOTE:If you have an aftermarket hood, place a mark at23-1/2" - this will slightly lower the raised height and allow the hood to open fully without interference.

1994-1998 Vehicles use 24-1/2" measurement

A. Place a 3" piece of masking tape on the edge of the hood as shown below. Run the tape along the edge of the hood centering around 24-1/2" from the hinged corner of the hood.

B. Place a mark at exactly 24-1/2" on the masking tape from the hinge corner of the hood as shown. Mark both sides the same way and verify your measurement..

Step 4 - Align Driver's side hood bracket and mark 1st hole.

A. Hold hood bracket such that the ball stud faces out and away from the vehicle and bracket is tucked up over the hood frame as shown to the right.

B. Using a marker, place a dot at the center of the upper hole once the centerline of the ball stud is lined up with your mark.

C. Using a center punch and a hammer, tap the center of the dot you just made (this indention will help guide the drill bit and keep it from wandering. Place bracket back in place to be sure it is still centered where it should be before moving to Step 5.

Step 5 - Drill #11 indexed bit hole, or 3/16" hole.

A. Carefully drill the upper bracket hole as shown to the right using a (#11 indexed bit) or(use 3/16" bit if #11 bit is not available).

If you do not have a #11 indexed bit, you can use the 3/16" bit, however you may have to test fit the rivet and slightly ream hole until rivet fits tightly through bracket and hole - 3/16" is slightly smaller than the #11 bit. Do not use any other drill bit sizes!
*** Place a piece of tape around the drill bit1/4" past the tip! This will help prevent the drill bit from passing through and denting the hood skin!

Step 6 - Rivet upper end of bracket to hood.

A. Hold the bracket in position.

B. With the bracket lined up again, place the multi-grip rivet through the bracket and hole with the long stem sticking outward. The rivet may require a few twists while pushing it in.

C. Check to be sure your rivet gun has the 3/16" rivet head installed, then slide rivet gun onto rivet. While applying force to the rivet and bracket, firmly squeeze riveter handle multiple times until rivet gun pops and snaps off the rivet stem. Be careful when rivet stem snaps off.

Step 7 - Drill lower and center holes of hood bracket & then rivet holes.

A. Reposition and align bracket into the proper position against hood lip.

B. With the bracket snugged up against the hood frame, use the center punch to tap the center of the lower hole. Then, carefully drill the hole through bracket hole and hood frame. Rivet lower hole using 2nd of four multi-grip rivets (steel shaft, not aluminum).

C. Carefully drill center hole between - be careful not to drill through hood. Then rivet the Aluminum rivet (longer rivet, 2included) into this hole. This rivet helps stabilize the bracket.
This rivet will not fit all the way in the hole - just keep pressure on the riveter and start riveting. As you rivet, the base will sit tightly against the bracket and it will install properly.

Step 8 - Repeat steps 3-7 and install the passenger side hood bracket.

1. You vehicle’s hood has a symmetrical hood frame. Repeat Steps 3-7 to install the upper passenger side hood bracket. Take your time and verify the measurements using the bracket you just installed.

Step 9 - Position and mark first hole for driver's side fender bracket.

1. Hold the bracket in position as shown tithe right. The ball stud should be pointing away from the vehicle and approximately 3-3/4" from the centerline of the fender bolt shown to the edge of the ball-stud bracket. Also verify that the bracket is 1" from the fender to back edge of the bracket. Right front corner of bracket should rest at or near angled fender lip.

2. Verify measurements and then mark

Step 10 - Mark hole center before drilling.

1. Using a center punch and a hammer, tap the center of the marked hole. This will help guide the drill bit and keep it from wandering.

Step 11 - Drill right hole using 5/32" drill bit.

1. Drill the right hole at the marked position using a 5/32" drill bit. Do not ream or over drill the hole.

Step 12 - Attach the right end of the bracket to fender.

1. Using a color matching paint, touch up the area where you just drilled the hole.

2. Using a 5/16" socket and wrench, screw the right screw into the fender using the supplied sheet metal screw.

Apply adequate pressure while screwing the sheet metal screw in - you will be creating threads in the fender and it will require force.

Step 13 - Mark center of hole with marker and indent with center punch.

1. Using a permanent marker, mark the left hole of the fender bracket. Be sure the bracket is parallel to the fender. Twist to align if necessary.

2. Using a center punch and hammer, tap the center of the marked hole. This will help guide the drill bit and keep it from wandering.

Step 14 - Drill second hole and attach bracket.

1. Drill the second hole through the bracket hole using a 5/32" drill bit.

2. Attach the bracket using the same 5/16"socket and wrench.

Step 15 - Repeat steps 9-14 to attach the passenger fender bracket.

1. Repeat Steps 9-14 to attach the passenger side fender bracket. The vehicle is symmetrical so the same locators can be used. Feel free to measure off of key areas to ensure a symmetrical installation.

Step 16 - Cycle both gas springs 3 times

1. CYCLE EACH GAS SPRING BEFORE INSTALLING -firmly hold a gas spring with both hands by the thick cylindrical end - firmly press down on the floor or carpet and compress the spring. Do this to both gas springs a few times to lubricate the shaft before installing them.

Step 17 - Install gas-springs - large end up.

1. Have a friend hold the hood up. Remove the stock prop rod assembly

2. Install the driver's side gas-spring with the cylinder at the top (large end up and connected to the hood ball stud). Be sure that the gas spring sockets snap securely onto the ball studs. This procedure is most easily completed if the upper ends are snapped onto the ball-studs first and attach the lower ends last. Do one at a time.