Thank you for the complement!
A: The extend length from center of each mounting point is 18" and the compressed length is about 11"
A: The pounds force of each strut is about 30 lbs. A little strong for the fiberglass hood, but the fiberglass hood does not have much inertia, and as the center of gravity of the hood gets closer to the pivot point (hinges) the less the gas struts have to support the weight of the hood. In the open position the fiberglass hood is nearly weightless, so it comes to a stop rather abruptly at the end of the stroke. On the other hand, an iron hood has much more inertia in comparison to the fiberglass hood and will come to a stop a little more gracefully. Manufactures recommend selecting a gas strut with a lbs. force of about 1.2 times the weight of the object they are going to support. In our case i think finding a struts with a combined lbs. force that is equal to the weight of the hood (if its being lifted from its center of gravity) would be more suitable. You will have to lift the hood a little bit higher before the struts take over, but it will come to a stop better.
A: I went to the local junk yard and found a newer Ford van that had been crashed. I pulled the brackets off of the frame of the rear hatch. They are covered up by some molding that can removed with a large phillips screwdriver. The brackets on the frame can be removed with a large phillips screwdriver as well. I completely forgot to check the model of the van when I was at the junkyard last, 'nature calls' haha. I plan on stopping by the junk yard to check the model on my way to work this afternoon.
