I made the template from 1/2" plywood...wood is so easy and forgiving to work with...and cheap! I made the template to fit over the top mount inside the engine compartment...i didn't try it on the strut until i was 99% sure it would fit...then began the task of cutting it out of the aluminum....it took about an hour to rough cut, then another day with a grinder and assorted files to get it perfect...
1" aluminum block...4" center hole cut with a hole saw and a 1/2 electric drill.... rough cut the outer shape with a jigsaw and a long blade with tons of cutting fluid. Block cost me $40.00 at my local metal supply....it was in a "Mixed Bin" where everything in the bin is a set price per pound....It took me over and hour of sorting through the bin to find it....and i was actually looking for small pieces of 2x2 steel not aluminum!