Hood Struts
The old struts just get in the way. This document describes the replacement of the original spring-loaded hood struts with gas struts.
Factory Hood Support
The factory hood support uses springs and vertical folding levers. The springs wear out, and the levers just get in the way. Gas struts are the answer!
Strut Formula
The Strut Fitment and Pressure Formula can be downloaded from several internet sites.
Fixed Point Mount
The fixed point mount uses the original lower mount bracket.
Spherical Strut Bolt
The spot welds were drilled out and replaced with 1/4" UNC Buttonheads and Nylocks. A spherical ball stud (M6) is secured in the original hole that bolted the old hood prop lever. Now you just need to relocate it closer to the firewall.
Measure twice, drill once!
The relocation process is as follows:
1. Drill a ¼” hole in the inner fender 365mm from the original rearmost mounting hole and 45mm down from the lip of the inner fender.
Relocate Lower Mount
2. Mount the bracket with a ¼” UNC Stainless Button Head and nylock.
3. Drill the second hole for the mount and secure.
Moving Point Mount
The Moving Point mount is the original hood prop mount with the hole drilled out slightly to take the M6 spherical ball stud.
Calculate Force
Calculate Force
To calculate the force required to easily open the hood, Struts Australia web site has a formula (see Strut Fitment and Pressure Formula). The suggested length of the strut is 800mm. This will prop the hood open at almost maximum height.
When you purchase the struts (I got mine from Strut Regas at Resort Trailers, Queanbeyan), have them gassed according to the following calculation for Force:
• H=455mm (total length from hinge to moving mount is 910mm).
• G=80kg = 800N (measured using a scale connected to the front of the hood, which was 40kg, but IAW Struts Australia, if you measure the weight at the edge, double it for the dead weight).
• L=900mm
F1 = ((800 x 455) ÷ 900) + 30) ÷ 2
F1 = (36,000 ÷ 900) +30) ÷ 2
F1 = (40 + 70) ÷ 2
F1 = 55
Install Struts
Install Struts
Once the mounts are in place and secured, and you have your new struts, proceed as follows:
1. Open hood to desired angle.
2. Fit cylinder end of 800mm gas strut to Moving Point (upper mount).
3. Put shaft end of gas strut to fixed mount (lower mount) and attach.
4. Ensure hood can open and close without restriction.
Done!
All done!