Strut brace requires modification for bonnet sensor and painting

I recently got lucky on ebay and picked up an Ultra Racing strut brace for a modest sum.



Unfortunately it looks like I have to move the bonnet open switch which is mounted on the bulkhead where the two diagonals are fixed. I haven't taken it apart yet but I guess I'll have to make a new bracket. I'm just wondering whether anyone has already done this and can send me a picture of a how they sorted this out?

On another note, I'd favour a lower key/more OEM appearance so I thought I might paint it black. Any suggestions? Black rattle can from Halfords?

I have the same strut brace. I just unplugged the sensor and took it off.

Thanks for feedback - I'd wondered about removing it. I presume it's for the alarm so I'd have thought that that would cause problems.

The alarm arms with the bonnet open too, it just means you won't be alerted if the bonnet is lifted.

I have the same 3 point strutbrace, and I've relocated the bonnet sensor.
It clears everthing nicely, including the supercharger. Quite a strong piece of steel tubing, also for the money.

..waiting for the m badge police..



I relocated it to a chassis (minus) stud (small negative terminal) next to the ecu that was long enough to hold the bracket and an extra nut on top of the wirelugs and stock nut.

I used the original bracket, which I bend, drilled and filed like this:

So the bottom hole is a bit of a slot to get the bracket lower. I also filed 2 little tabs off in the square hole (those prevent the switch to be fitted the other way round), and painted (and sandblasted) it (the paint on the bracket is brittle so it cracks)

Fitted next to the ecu (the cables are long enough and the ecu box still poens):


I made a video to see if the bonned pressed the switch far enough but not too far that the bracket would touch the bonnet and damage it.
So that when the bonnet is closed and a little bit pressed on it, the switch pin is still in its travelling path (the switching action takes place in the first mm or so when the switch is pressed)
you can also see me pressing on the bonnet and playing around with it to see how deep it would lower
[youtube]NTiKMAAm6D4[/youtube]
Probably the most boring video on youtube if you're not into relocating bonnet switches..

But I'm sure there are loads of possibilities. It may also be relocated inbetween the 2 legs of the brace (so a bit more to the front) with an extended bracket or so. I think the protruded panel in the bonnet is quite big.
So this is just 1 way to do it
Too bad that fitting the brace is 5 min work and that fiddeling with the bracket painting it & stuff can take up an afternoon :lol:

That's great GuidoK - I couldn't have really asked for more help or absolutely relevant illustration than that!
I was a bit confused for a moment looking under your bonnet with the brake master etc. on the other side :roll:
I've got most of my bits and pieces coming this week ready for a complete suspension overhaul so this would be a good one to get out of the way in advance.