Gas Struts/Springs For Hood/Bonnet

[RayD]

I haven't seen any of these Pete so I'll almost certainly be wrong ... but ... could it be you fitted the top bracket with the ball facing inwards?

Looking at the pictures above it may be the vertical part of the top bracket is occupying the same space as the bottom bracket when it's fitted the "wrong" way round.

Ray

[dapinky]

Ray could well be right about the fouling......

.....in my own case, I had to fit the top brackets the 'wrong' way round to avoid them hitting the fibreglass clamshell when the bonet was closed.....

...the rear edge of the bonet was a tad higher when closed, but it was adjusted by moving the rubber stoppers down a bit (if you followed Blairs fitting instructions you'll know which bits i mean). - If you didn't, then its just a case of removing the rubber 'caps' from the bolts, removing them with the adjusting nut still attached (probably rusted in place a bit anyway!) - freeing the adjusting (lock) nut and moving it a bit closer to the bolt head, thereby allowing the rubber cap to sit a bit lower when its all back together.

These instructions will no doubt make sence to you as you should be able to equate my non-technical terms with bits you have already removed/replaced and played with

[epipete]

Thanks Guys, but it's all just become rather academic.

Rather a waste of many quids I fear

[Elanlover]

If you installed the kit according to the pics I posted when it was originally installed (and similar to m100sandra's pics) they should not foul on themselves or any body work. Of course, lining up the hood/bonnet afterwards is a key step. But, since you've discovered a broken end on one strut I'd guess that's your problem. You can contact the supplier to see what they can do for you. It may be possible to replace just the end fitting although they tend to be put on with some form or adhesive for obvious reasons.

[m100sandra]

You can get end fittings for the struts here http://www.strutsdirect.co.uk/component ... -range.php

[epipete]

Thanks Sandra, they seem to offer a cost effective solution.

[Fredjohn]

Pete
Shouldn't that be piston broke, rather than broken piston?

[epipete]

Pete
Shouldn't that be piston broke, rather than broken piston?

Yeah, and it did cross my mind but then my mind was cross so decided against it!

[epipete]

If you installed the kit according to the pics I posted when it was originally installed (and similar to m100sandra's pics) they should not foul on themselves or any body work. Of course, lining up the hood/bonnet afterwards is a key step. But, since you've discovered a broken end on one strut I'd guess that's your problem. You can contact the supplier to see what they can do for you. It may be possible to replace just the end fitting although they tend to be put on with some form or adhesive for obvious reasons.

Blair, thanks for your comments, indeed it was against your and Sandra's posts that I made my installation obviously I now have a little time to adjust the fitting of the brackets pending a solution to the piston/strut issue! Without compromising any conversation between myself and the supplier, could I ask if you might identify suitable struts from the web site that Sandra posted please? My chief thoughts being that the brackets are the critical and unique components (& I now hold them!) whereas the struts are more readily available and can be sourced here in the uk saving loads of postage!

Pete

[djcar]

After staring at them for 9 months or so I finally got them put on today and a new hood liner which I also stared at for 9-10 months.




It took me a lot longer than 30 minutes lol. broke a couple clips on the windshiled washer lines so Where do i get new ones? they were brittle.

anyway works like a charm.. was tricky doing the bottom bracket but you can do it without losing the underside bracket loosen back nut slide bracket over put the screw back in to hold bottom bracket.... remove front screw put in new bracket tighten front then you can remove rear screw and screw down rear part.....

[Mike_H]

Hey that looks like a real good upgrade , can you post the part number details of the struts you have used as I would like to have a go at making some brackets myself.

cheers mike.

[epipete]

After staring at them for 9 months or so I finally got them put on today and a new hood liner which I also stared at for 9-10 months.

It took me a lot longer than 30 minutes....

Yeah, know the feeling, have been staring at mine all year - can't make the little perishers fit!!!

This is inspirational, I may have another go!

[Elanlover]

Hey that looks like a real good upgrade , can you post the part number details of the struts you have used as I would like to have a go at making some brackets myself.

cheers mike.

Late reply, sorry.

If you're asking about part numbers for the purpose of ordering them from someone other than the original supplier it may be hard to source them and I'd advise against it for the following reasons.

1) It took me countless hours and test fits with multiple size/force combinations to get this to work. It wasn't easy and I doubt any off the shelf arrangement would work. The size of the springs, the brackets and the spring forces were closely matched to ensure everything would fit (when closed) in the limited space available under the hood/bonnet and be of sufficient (but not too much) force to do the intended job.
2) They are custom made brackets not available for general sale - required as per the above - and are all (top and bottom) yellow zinc washed to match the existing hinge work on the car. Any DIY versions are unlikely to match as well.
3) The entire kit costs $75 CDN plus shipping (still available for order). Anyone really think they can build a kit as OEM looking as this for less while knowing this kit fits perfectly and works? For 2 gas struts, 2 stock brackets, 2 custom built brackets and zinc washing? Really?

If you still want to try it yourself I don't have the dimensions for the brackets but each spring is 180N in force, 190mm overall length and 58mm stroke. Ball socket size will depend on your own work but these were all 10mm ball sizes I believe. The actual manufacturer's part numbers will be of little use to you as they are unique to them only. Ordering information is on page 2 of the thread if you want to go that route. Cheers!

[lotos]

Funny I just saw this thread pop back up and thought I had bought this a year ago but apparently I hadn't so I better get on it.

So after all this time, no ill effects, right? No cracking fiberglass, stress cracks, etc? Works great and you highly recommend it?

[Elanlover]

Funny I just saw this thread pop back up and thought I had bought this a year ago but apparently I hadn't so I better get on it.

So after all this time, no ill effects, right? No cracking fiberglass, stress cracks, etc? Works great and you highly recommend it?

For me, its been great. No issues at all and very useful.

[lotos]

Great, thanks for the feedback. I have this mental image of coming out to the garage and seeing the shocks extended but the hood still closed, having torn loose through the fiberglass. Sounds like you engineered my fears away.

[lotos]

I sent an email about 2 weeks ago but didn't get a reply - this company still makes this for us, right?

To place your order you can call or e-mail as per below:

Nolan Fehr
LS Technologies
303 103rd Street
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
S7N 1Y9

1-866 427 4659
(306) 683-5000 (if the 800 number doesn't work in your area)
info (at) lstechnologies.ca

The cost is $75 CDN plus shipping and any applicable taxes/duties. Operators are standing by...............

[lotustonybassplayer]

hi i emailed them awhile ago it, took a week or so to get a reply. They are having some more brackets made up, and they are going to contact me when ready, the price is still the same hope this helps

[lotos]

Thanks! I don't like to harass suppliers especially for such small projects so I'm glad you did it for me

[lotustonybassplayer]

just to follow this up, just got an email from nolan, the kits are now available again