Small Issue
 

What is the general consensus for the best hood and trunk strut? I've already ordered some from our host (not the less expensive ones), done the search, and it seems as though I can expect about 2 years at the most?

Really wasn't looking at the "ultimate" strut as I try real hard to maintain originality, but $90 with shipping every 2 years? And the pain in the arse to replace them? I've had the original hood struts on my GM car for 7 years, and they still work just fine.

Karl
88 Targa

stock ones are $15, last 2 years
heavy duty ones are $25, last 3 years.
Life time warranty ones are $40, last 5 years.

They all die. There is a $35 broom stick model that lasts forever. You still need to have a couple of regular hood struts though.

Can't Understand
 

I really don't understand how the struts can be so bad, but they are. I installed new hood and trunk struts and they were worn out in about 2 years :mad:.

Meanwhile I had a '87 Land Cruiser that had its original, similar sized struts that lifted and held the heavy rear hatch open no problem - after 20 years...

Don't know how you can have such a major difference in quality.

Gordo

Thank God it's not just that I got a few crappy ones. I guess I won't sweat it and just carry a broomstick!

I've seen a kit which places a second strut next to the original one on the engine lid to stop the drop on cars fitted with spoilers... I think they're still available from our sponsor. On my car I welded an extra blade and bracket on the left side and installed a second strut. It looks very similar to the OEM set-up in the later 3.2 cars with rear spoiler.

Has anybody done something like this with the hood lid?

That would mean 4 struts in total instead of 2. The only problem I can see is that it may place extra strain on the lid as you're closing it. You could use a "tired" pair as the second pair so the strain isn't as bad.

BTW: The reason they fail so soon is because they are very short compared to the norm in other cars.

I'm about to do this also on my '89 3.2. The rear engine lid stays up but the front trunk lid won't.

My '95 M3 still has the original struts on the trunk lid and engine hood and they still work OK. Even my D.D. PT Cruiser at 7 years still has its original hatch struts and that is one heavy hatch.

So I don't understand why the struts for our 911's are so inferior.

David

"Ultimate Strut", is the way to go. Did this a few years ago and works great. Don't have to worry about ever wearing out again. Done once and done.
Tom

The reason they fail so soon is because they are very short compared to the norm in other cars.

How about that...I never really noticed that. Makes sense!

David

Thank you all. It seems as though we share the pain(literally). I currently am using a 5/8' dowel on the rear and the 1" PVC with rubber no slip ends on the trunk. They work OK, but it seems as though I am always bumping into them doing work or loading.

Rouxzy. I may have to go to the "ultimate" following the failure of these.

Thanks
Karl
88 Targa

my stock 26 year old ones still work but only after i lift the hood up and down a few times the beginning of each season for some reason

I've had it with these damn things. I finally just bought a very small and cheap pair of vise grips and simply clamp the rod at it's most exposed spot.

I'm guessing the vise grips were less than the $80 with shipping I just paid. :D

Actually, not a bad idea, especially as tight as I am. I've got all sizes, types and shapes of the vise grip brand. I think one just ended up in the glovebox.

Thanks
Karl
88 Targa

You need to ask KurtV about his trunk strut. I think it's the best solution I've seen. I personally use the high dollar sawed off broom stick.

Joe

Or Sherwoood's.

There is another option.

On some older British cars they use a prop that is articulated in the middle to support the trunk and in the case of the Mini the rear hatch. It has a small catch that you engage when full open. You also manual release this catch by over extending the lid (It's spring loaded). This is a mechanical device so it would last forever...

Has anybody used something like this for a 911?

Mercedes Benz used a mechanical catch system on the hood of their cars so that the hood could be over extended for engine servicing. Different mechanism but an interesting solution for clearing the large front grill.

I'm not familiar Milt. Another strut? or..

Karl
88 Targa

Siene Systems

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=PEL-US-1F&catalog_description=Ultimate%20Strut%20for%20Fr ont%20Hood%2C%20911%2C%20912%2C%20993

Thanks Milt, I have checked it out and I really did consider it. I think I have OCD about originality. :>) But my frustration may (will) conquer that little problem.

Not bad though, :>) I've only had it about 53 years. And it only seems to pertain to Cars, guns, politics, family, hard work, intelligence ......

Struts from the host are on the way, vise grips are in the glove box, PVC and a wooden dowel are in the trunk....Is there a Dr. in the house to break the addiction?

Thanks for the help!! I think I'm doomed
Karl
88 Targa