Small Hood Struts
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 496
Likes: 4
From: Cordova TN
Small Hood Struts
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
Thanks
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Let us know how you make out. Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
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 !
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 !
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,448
Likes: 27
From: Valparaiso
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
Let us know how you make out. Good luck
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.-
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,150
Likes: 936
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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 !
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 !
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Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
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??
Last edited by flynn508; Sep 11, 2009 at 10:04 AM.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
Likes: 1
From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Pro
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 639
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From: Brookfield CT NCM#522998
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Peoria Arizona.. Resident Gold Cylon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,050
Likes: 147
From: Phoenix AZ
2021 C4 of the Year - Modified Finalist
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,
i got mine from a theft recovered 96. to remove, bring a 5 foot long 2X4 and a saw,
