I just installed a Cuscos adjustable strut tower brace on my 85 GSL-SE and it just hits the hood when fully closed. Has anybody had similar issues with strut braces on their FB? The directions are in Japanese so if there were any tips from the manufacturer I sure as hell wouldn't know it. Anyone here read Japanese?

 

Ide do a test to make sure you know the brace isn't sitting past where the outer metal of the hood would rest when latched, if not you can trim the inside ribs for clearance. Mix a little bit of line chalk with water to get a putty and put it in a long mound along the top of the brace bar not much just like laying a shoelace on top. Gently close the hood and then where the putty transfers is your contact point, zip cut the ribs for clearance making sure there is at least 1/2 an inch clearance on either side of the channel.

 

Its already put a mark on the hood where it is rubbing. I initially shut the hood, took it for a test ride, noticed a slight bulge and opened to find where it had rubbed the hood. I don't really want to cut the hood. What I did do was hammer down the front two bulges on the top of the strut towers so that the brace could sit more flush across top of tower. That allowed me to get the hood to close flush but I know it still rubs a bit. I'm more curious if this is a common problem or I'm missing a step by modifying it to fit. I will call the supplier tomorrow to see what they say. Thanks for the input so far though....

 

Well, no luck with manufacturer other than to say that the U.S. vehicles were left hand vs right hand and that the 84-85 RX7's had reenforced strut tower tops. I did notice a couple bumps on the top of mine - 4 to be exact. Look like pinches in the metal for strength. These bumps do not allow the brace to sit as flush as it could. Has anyone else dealt with this?

 

Angle grinder and a hammer? How many mm are you needing. I'd modify the brace before the car.