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From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Whatever you use cannot use the same mounting location as the stock gas struts due to them having no mechanical advantage at their lowest point. Closing might also be a challenge since the stock hinges more or less require you to drop the hood, and a mechanical actuator might not be able to do that quickly enough. I don't doubt for a second someones tried it. But it'll require a drive with something like a worm/gear similiar to the headlight motor, but able to take incredible stress due to the pivot point location and the cantilevered weight.
Good luck with the project. Would be interested to see how you accomplish it.
I did something similar on the T-tops on my 1972 Corvette Show Car. I had them hinged to the T-Bar in the center and added hydraulic pistons to the rear latch positions. That way whenever I opened a door, the hydraulic pump would activate and lift the top on that side (similar to a gull-wing). I used hydraulics from a powered convertible top and limit switches. I got the idea from seeing it the the movie Cleopatra Jones where her Corvette did the same thing.
On a C5 hood, you would probably have to remove the stock latches and gas-filled pistons, modify the inner fenders to house the hydraulic pistons, beef up the piston attachment points on the fenders and hood, and run hoses and add electronics. I would tackle it if I were a kid again, but it would be a major project to pull off and make it look good.
I would suggest you contact either a street rod shop or custom car shop in your area. This is the type of thing a lot of rods have done on hoods and trunks. I don't personally have it on my street rod, but it is quite common on higher end rods and customs. I do have gas struts that will lift the trunk when the latch is remotely released. You still have to push it down to close.
Hood Actuators
