Hood shock replacement shock!

EdT82SC · 10-15-2003, 09:57 PM

I got a set of new Weltmeister heavy duty front hood shocks from PP today, and I figured this will be so easy I'll do it right now. So it turns that the left side bottom is a big PIA to get to. And to make things worse the mechanic who last replaced the hood shocks took the easy way out.

Instead of sticking the pin in from the almost totally inaccessible back side, and then putting the clip on he stuck the pin in the opposite way it's supposed to go since it goes in so much easier that way, and then stuck a piece of duct tape over it so it wouldn't come out. It took me 20 minutes to put the pin in the right way. Now that I've done it once I'm sure I could do it in under 5. I don't understand why a mechanic who charges by the hour does some half-a$$ed repair that only saved him a few minutes.

The bad part is I am short one clip to finish the repair. I couldn't find them in the PP catalog. Am I just looking hard enough? Are those clips something I could find at a local hardware or auto parts store?

scottb · 10-15-2003, 10:48 PM

I have to believe Pelican has them. Call directly and ask. If not, I know Performance has them, because I bought one recently. If you end up buying from Performance (though call Pelican first), ask them if they'll just ship it first class mail. It probably weighs an ounce, and it would be a shame to have to pay UPS charges. If they won't ship it via US mail, let me know and I'll pick it up for you and drop it in the mail (I don't live too far).

Good luck.

Scott

Silveresrty911S · Silveresrty911S's Garage

If you have a pin with you (remove the easy one) you should be able to find a sur clip for that at Home Depot or other hardware store.

jmohn · jmohn's Garage

After struggling for hours (seemingly) to get that clip on the driver's side shock, I was told, by a couple guys on Rennlist, that they just leave the clip off. Apparently the tension of the shock is sufficient to keep the pin in place. I already had the clip on mine, but that does seem plausible. That pin moves in a fairly narrow arc from open to closed.

"Silveresrty911S" is right, you should be able to find a similar clip at a home improvement or hardware store. I wouldn't remove either pin, just pick out a variety of size clips (guess at the approx. size) and try them (they'll only cost about a dime each, so you can buy a couple dozen if you want).

Jerry M
'78 SC

dram · dram's Garage

I actually went by the parts counter at the local dealer to get a clip. They charged something like $4, but it's on there now....

project935 · 10-16-2003, 05:25 AM

As far as the bigger home improvement stores go, I've found that Lowe's has a better overall hardware selection than Home Depot. My local Lowe's has terrific Grade 8 and metric fasteners as well as all the quirky clips and pins - organized nicely too. The Home Depot just has stuff to build a deck with ...

No affilication, just a satisfied customer.

JC930 · 10-16-2003, 05:35 AM

A posterior cervecal laminectomy makes this job a lot easier as well.
jc930

sammyg2 · 10-16-2003, 07:10 AM

LOL I bought two new hood shocks from pelican last week. I installed the passenger side in 5 minutes, then looked at the driver's side. Yikes.

The new shock on the passenger side hold up the bonnet well so I blew off the other side until I get more motivated. I'll change it soon but I need to get myself mentally prepared for a major fuster-cluck

RickM · RickM's Garage

Lowes kills Home Depot when it comes to hardware....and in many other areas as well.

EdT82SC · 10-16-2003, 07:28 AM

Sammy,

It's not really that hard once I figured out how to do it. I put the pin in vice grips. With the shock out pull out the wires enough that you can maneuver the vice grips in behind all the wires. Put the shock in place. Maneuver the pin into place with one hand on the vice grips, and the second hand down at the pin so you get the pin through the piece of sheet metal where the shock attaches. Make sure the pin is in place in the hole through the sheet metal then release the vice grips. Now using one hand get the bottom hole of the shock lined up with the pin, and use the other hand to push the pin through. Then put the clip on, and you are done.

Ed

EdT82SC · 10-16-2003, 07:30 AM

Also, Sammy, since you live about 10 minutes away if you have trouble PM me. I'd be happy to come over, and give you a hand.

Schrup · Schrup's Garage

I looked everywhere (even Lowes), ended up ordering it at the dealer.

Jdub · 10-16-2003, 07:51 AM

Well, now that you've done it, is the hood sitting higher than it used to in closed position? That is, compared to the deck at the bottom of the windshield?

If so, you are due for new hinges. They wear and the slop shows up when you put strong/new hood shocks in.

Yeah, it is a bear to get the pin in. But how often do you have to do this? Get the clip and do it right. I found that a pair of very long, narrow needlenose worked fine.

John

scottb · 10-16-2003, 08:51 AM

John's right....a long needlenose pliers is a must for this job. Small hands help too!

Also, I tied a string to the clip so, in case I dropped it, it wouldn't disappear into the bowels of the car. I ended up dropping it once, and the string saved my butt. Once I got the clip in place, I cut the string off with an Exacto knife.

My local True Value hardware store has a GREAT selection of metric hardware, and I wouldn't be surprised if they had a clip that could be made to work. OSH also has a good selection of metric stuff. Again, I agree with John though, get the right clip...don't bastardize the installation.

Scott

10-16-2003, 11:21 AM

It is part# N0126452 the cost is $0.60 Steve

scottb · 10-16-2003, 11:26 AM

Steve: $.60 for the part...how much to ship to Irvine?

MIK911 · 10-16-2003, 11:42 AM

Are the HEAVY DUTY models needed? What about on the rear w/ Carrera type whale tail?

thanks
mike
'86 coupe

ckissick · 10-16-2003, 11:54 AM

I installed both shocks without much trouble (the needle-nose pliers make it relatively easy), but the hood still doesn't stay up!!

I've been wondering, should I buy another set and try again, or will I just get the same result?

Charlie
1970 911E

Formerly Steve Wilkinson · 10-16-2003, 12:19 PM

I installed OEM front-hood shocks about two years ago (5,000 miles), and the hood won't stay up, especially when it's cool--not even cold, just around 50 degrees.

Stephan

scottb · 10-16-2003, 12:23 PM

As much as I believe in keeping the car as original as possible, I bit the bullet and installed the heavy duty Weltmeister shocks. They work great, and have a lifetime warranty. So far, no problems!