Gas struts

[Mr Ted]

Hi folks, I just wanted to check this out before adding to the parts list but my newly acquired 1987 350i came with a couple of spare gas struts, for bonnet or boot, in a box marked Corsa 01-06, does this ring true?

[Grady]

I can check the numbers in the morning (and there are some old threads about them). Grady

[Wedg1e]

What's critical (apart from length and end fittings) is the lift force, original struts were 100N. You may get away with a bit higher but too high and you risk the struts ripping their mountings out of the glassfibre.

[Mr Ted]

Wedg1e said:

What's critical (apart from length and end fittings) is the lift force, original struts were 100N. You may get away with a bit higher but too high and you risk the struts ripping their mountings out of the glassfibre.

Very good point! I will watch out for that!

[Grady]

My new ones don't have a brand but checking the store on-line I believe they are Sachs-Stabilus and the part number is 4644 and 26208. The same ones work front and rear. I previously research the strength and length. Grady

[adam quantrill]

To test them press down on bathroom scales - should be around 10kg.

[TVRTRICEY]

I need struts all round so if the Corsa ones are good for the job, let us know!

[colin mee]

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/ try these I got two for £35.

[TVRTRICEY]

Did you find they were good? I'd expect them to be at that price!

[TVRTRICEY]

I just rang SGS and they say that they have uprated the bonnet struts to 150, and leave the boot at 100.

She also said they supply specialists and they seem to think that 150 is better. However I don't want to rip my fibreglass, but I should think this isn't a big enough increase to do damage.

Tricey

[matt-man]

SGS must think its gone wedge-mad!

Just ordered a new one for my bonnet.

I went for the 100 as the one that I have actually holds the bonnet on its own but it flaps.

[mrzigazaga]

Im sure the originals were Ford Capri tailgate struts??I have heard good words about SGS and we always recommend them on here but as said if you put ones that are too strong on there then they will damage either the fixings or even crack the bonnet if too much force is put on only one edge...I would be tempted to buy the Capri ones instead...They definitely have different part numbers...Cant remember what the nm were meant to be...300n?

[TVRTRICEY]

The woman I spoke to said the car was rated originally at 100N, but they upgraded the bonnet struts to 150N after complains... Not sure about you, but I have 2 struts on my bonnet and 1 on the boot.

Anyway, Ive ordered 2 'bonnet' struts after her convincing me that they have had good results and feedback. I'll let you know if they rip the engine bay to pieces.

Tricey

[350zwelgje]

Four SGS struts on my wedge since a couple of years, they do the job and don't think they are too strong and no issues with the bonnet either.

Rob

[colin mee]

I thought they where a good price.not worth trying to match another make up.i to heard corsa will fit

[Grady]

BTY - The original ones were "Electro-something" (spelled wrong) that have the male connectors for running power or ground for rear brake lights and engine light. However, by unscrewing the end links, the fittings can be transferred over and used with the new struts. Grady

[assynt road]

My SGS struts have been fine, 12 month on and no problems.

[Wedg1e]

Grady said:

BTY - The original ones were "Electro-something" (spelled wrong) that have the male connectors for running power or ground for rear brake lights and engine light. However, by unscrewing the end links, the fittings can be transferred over and used with the new struts. Grady

I think the traditional use was to supply a heated rear screen...

[Grady]

Maybe just on the US version then, as we have a boot mounted 3rd brake light. Don't know how it is on a FHC with heated screen but I think (and can check this weekend) the strut is used for the ground side so it could support (pun intended) both systems.

[Wedg1e]

Grady said:

Maybe just on the US version then, as we have a boot mounted 3rd brake light. Don't know how it is on a FHC with heated screen but I think (and can check this weekend) the strut is used for the ground side so it could support (pun intended) both systems.

Ah, I meant it was used for the heated screen on cars in general, not just the TVR.