Propping hood open while changing struts
 

My hood struts are shot, and I have ordered replacements. I wondered what people used to prop the hood open while changing the struts. I hate to have someone hold the hood if there is a safe way to prop it open.

Broom stick, 2 X 4, 1 X 1. Or you can do 1 at a time and put vise grips on the one you're not replacing. So many different things you can do.

Several years and another Vette ago, my hood struts failed at a car show on a windy day. I measured the extended rod and walked down the street to an auto parts store and bought a length of fuel line and split it lengthwise. Went back to my car and raised the hood and popped it over the rod on one of the struts as a temporary fix. Later I used it again when replacing the struts.
There are many ways to skin a cat.

Change one at a time, and prop up the side you're working on with your back/body. It's pretty easy. Just make sure your tools are within reach.

:iagree: Yep, that's it! Or have someone hold the hood for you.

If there are two struts, change them out one at a time. Use vice grips (with a rag) on the other strut to lock it in place fully extended. That works on the old ones, even if they won't hold up at all.

Alternatively, I have a broom stick to use as a hood/tailgate prop. If it's too long, I use a 7/8" (or 22mm) combination wrench over it as a movable stop. The wrench will hang and tighten on the round stick at the proper location. That's also a useful hack for holding the brake pedal down when necessary for some service tasks.

Yea....changing the struts isn't really rocket science. But don't be fooled.......sometimes getting those little clip thingys off can be a little bit of a B#$%H. If I remember correctly......removing the hood end of the strut allows you to swing the other end of the strut into a better position to reach the clip.....or maybe it's the other way around.

I used a broom handle with a towel on both ends. And I watched the video below. 10 minutes tops.

In the time it will take me to find a wife, my Corvette will probably need a full restoration.

Park under tree, etc. Bungee cord to limb, etc.

Remember, you need to use left handed vice grips for the right strut and right handed vice grips for the left strut!

Broom, hockey stick, ect.

I used the top of my head and a small flat head screw driver, took all of 30 seconds a side, is this actually a serious question?

Have a friend or neighbor hold it up while you change them out. If you work or go to school, have ask a coworker or fellow student to give you hand. Takes about 5 minutes to change them one at a time.

Open hood, crank on your leaf blower and set it on high. Place in between valve covers and aim it at hood.

Broom stick, hockey stick, fishing pole . Paint brush extention, vice grips , bungee cord, extra person. 2 extra persons(one to hold beer can)rope , block and tackle.

Clif