megtom2

Both of the ones on the hood of our 86 were shot. New ones came in today from rock auto and my question is how in the hell do I compress them less than a 1/4 of an inch so they will go on? I have tried to get a clamp in there to no avail. So close yet so far.
Thanks

pmihaltian

You can't compress them enough to get them in place so stop trying. Simply unbolt one end of the hood support bar attached to the clam shell hood. Have your helper hold the clam shell hood up so it does not drop on you (be careful as it weights 100 lbs +). Now, have your buddy open the hood a little farther than it usually goes; this added opening will give you the extra space you need to snap the new gas struts in place.

Let us know how you make out. Good luck

Calderone

You dont have to compress them,simply press the little ball on the assistant strut
and instead of lower it like everytime you press the ball,push it to the front,so the ball hides in the upper area of the assistant strut,so that will give you plenty of space and to install your new struts !

Calderone

Yes that's the secret,but you dont need to unbolt the support bar,you simply press the ball and let it travel up instead of down.-

Z51JEFF

He doesnt have the assist rod.Early 86s had the scissor support with the short struts.

Calderone

My mistake

megtom2

Dang, it took me longer to type my question than to change them out after getting the answer here. Thanks guys

QCVette

I have an 85 and just bought the supports last week. I haven't gotten around to putting them on yet, but I had the same question.

Thanks for the answers. It will help me too.

samsonb

Is there a part number for these small hood shocks? My 89 only has one small shock. I'm thinking of putting another small shock on the other side that is missing.

flynn508

to the op, where did you get your now ones, and how much did you pay. Mine are also shot and need to be replaced. And thanks already for those that have posted how to replace them!! What part number did you use? I see them on Wilcox for $100, Ecklers for $30, and Rock for $9...WTF??

megtom2

I bought the ones from rock auto. Rhino brand shocks. Work great.

Aardwolf

I was able to install those without messing with the hood. I think I used a channel locks but I can't remember. It only needs to compress a small amount.

flynn508

do you remeber the part number, I cant believe that the ones I saw for $9 are the same as the $100 ones at wilcox!

megtom2

RHINO PAC Part # 4003 for $8.36.
Probably not the exact same manufacturer or maybe not as strong but they do the job.

pmihaltian

86 models do not have the little ball on the strut bar. This is the scissor type used on the early model Corvettes.

flynn508

right, but we also have two small gas strutts

Goldcylon

Known as the decapitator

coupeguy2001

I upgraded my 86 to the long assist strut. The hood is a breeze to raise now. I just cut the original fender bracket, and added the little bracket and the hood bracket. It takes you about 30 minutes to do everything once you have your parts.
i got mine from a theft recovered 96. to remove, bring a 5 foot long 2X4 and a saw,

samsonb

Anyone know the part number for the small hood shocks for an 89? I can't get them to show up for the later C4's, just the earlier ones which the scissor lift.