There are a few places where I find the Focus falls short of the Grand Prix, which is 20 years its senior. One is that like many new Fords, it uses a prop rod to hold the hood open. I knew the solution to this would eventually come, and it now has. Redline Tuning finally added the Mk3s to its catalogue.

No time was wasted and I have a set of their struts on their way to me – thanks to Mario for ordering for me. When they arrive I’ll be very happy to ditch the prop rod for these, and make opening the hood a one-handed operation.

-Bill