Finally decided on a vendor (CDC) and installed my hood struts...have to say, install went off without a hitch (thanks to all the great tips and install pics from other TMS'rs). Opted for the CDCs over the MRTs as I like the stainless steel look. Whipped out the Dremel tool and polished the heck out of those SS brackets (pics below). My primary install concern was hood misalignment, so I took 3 precautions: (1) marked multiple locations where hood met bracket (so I could tell if any slippage occurred after loosening bolts); (2) wedged a 1 1/2" sanding block (wrapped in wash cloth) between end of hood and cowl (near hinge); (3) loosened the REAR hood hinge bolt first (backed out just enough to slide "U" cutout on bracket under bolt & washer), then tightened just enough to prevent slippage... I left bracket slightly angled in so it wouldn't cover front bolt. Next, I removed FRONT hood hinge bolt, gently tapped the CDC bracket back into proper position (so front bracket hole aligned with front hinge hole), then re-tightened both bolts.
A shout-out to TacoBill for his 10mm bolt cap solution. Pick up a set of Spectre Billet Bolt Caps (O-Ring design) to finish off the look. Did multiple hood fit checks as I progressed through install... still fits like a glove. Liked the bolt caps so much, started covering other 10mm...

 

DoctorQ, congrats on your CDC Hood Strut Install. Looks great. Thanks for the pics. Also, thank you to both you and TacoBill for the 10mm bolt cap solution.

 

Looks great Doc!

The polished brackets are a nice touch.

Funny, I'm starting to cover some of my misc 10mm bolts like you.

 

Nice results, if I ever go for the struts here I would say CDC myself.