V8S - Gassed Up!

[v8s4me]

Here’s a nice simple little job for the weekend. The picture is self explanatory I hope but just ask if not. Fitting took just 15mins but finding struts of just the right length is what Takes the time and is where the difficulty lies. These came of a Jaguar saloon and are 15mm shorter than the standard bent metal rod which should mean it won’t ping the lower edge of the bonnet into the ground. The slightly shorter length also leaves a bit more clearance between the lower edge of the bonnet and the ground. I was a bit worried they would immediately ping the bonnet up as soon as the release was pulled but because of the way they lie when the lid is down this can’t happen. The bonnet still needs a bit of muscle to lift it the first foot or so and then the strut takes over. Keep hold of it though just in case! I’ve only fitted a strut to one side at the moment because I need a bracket similar to the original one which the rod fitted onto. Any one got one they don’t want please? I’ve got a pair of Astra struts which measure 423mm fully extended (pin centre to pin centre) to trade or pass on if anyone wants them.

[tinks v8S]

looks good ,will stop the wind blowing it out
how does it fit to the bonnet,mine has a hole ,thats it
i have a bracket you can have ,if i can find it, will have a look after week
as out to 2 shows

[v8s4me]

Sure beats the zip-tie hooked round the spring! All you need to do is fit the spigot into the hole where the rod mormally goes. Use some big washers to spread the load. Thanks for the offer of the bracket. Joe

[tvrgit]

tinks v8S said:

looks good ,will stop the wind blowing it out
how does it fit to the bonnet,mine has a hole ,thats it

I took off the ally plate (this was 4 years ago!) by drilling the rivets out, then put a bolt through from behind, loctited a nut on to that, and then riveted it back in again. Then put the strut on and another bolt, nyloc this time, and don't tighten it too much...

[v8s4me]

Bit of an issue has come to light. After I’d been out for a drive the bonnet wouldn’t pop up on the side where the strut was. The problem is that when the bonnet is closed the strut pushes it rearwards which in turn pushes the bonnet locking pin back in its slot and stops it releasing. Maybe when I fit a strut on the other side it will even things up. On the other hand they might just lock the bonnet closed. Back to the drawing board.