Decklid shocks -- the permanent solution

Jack Olsen · 03-23-2002, 02:54 PM

Since my car has a lighter-than-stock fiberglass front lid, and three different rear decklids, which range in weight from light (fiberglass ducktail) to heavy (964 retractable), I needed a very flexible decklid-raising solution. Dave Bouzaglou at TRE Automotive came up with the idea of using prop bars instead of the gas-loaded shocks. It's a solution that saves me some weight and will never wear out.

Here's a picture of the rear bar, raised:

Here's one of it lowered.

In front, here's a shot of it tucked away, with an insert of the upper mount.

The advantages are numerous. Air temperature doesn't cause me headaches. The things don't wear out, and a heavier or lighter load doesn't require alternating between one or two shocks. Also, a single shock in the rear (stock on the earlier, lighter lids) puts constant pressure on one side of the lid, which means more fine-tuning to make sure the latch stays shut and the lid closes evenly. With the prop bars, none of this is a problem.

Jack Olsen · 03-23-2002, 02:58 PM

This may be a better view:

Thomas Owen · 03-23-2002, 02:58 PM

Jack - watch out for the wind getting under the lid and allowing the arm to drop. I had this happen on my first 911 when I was under the rear lid using a 'prop bar'. Maybe you could come up with some sort of a socket fitting that would resist someone bumping the lid or the wind. Good idea though...
Regards,

pbs911 · pbs911's Garage

Thanks for the pics Jack. I will be going to the prop type when I replace my front hood with a fiberglass unit.

pwd72s · 03-23-2002, 05:24 PM

Jack, Jack, JACK...you do have too much time on your hands. Ever heard of a broomstick, a hacksaw???????

Woody · 03-23-2002, 05:27 PM

NOW YOU STARTED IT.I PUT NEW CYLINDERS ON BUT THEY WILL NOT SUPPORT THE HOOD AS I HAVE THE CIBIE LIGHTS ON IT.I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SOURCE STRONGER CYLINDERS BUT FEARED DAMAGING THE HINGES. THIS WILL SOLVE MY PROBLEM. BACK TO THE IGLOO ROBIN.
THANKS

WOODY

pwd72s · 03-23-2002, 05:34 PM

Woody..I repeat..ever heard of a broomstick and a hacksaw??? Not only effective, but lighter when you're on the track, assuming you left the broomstick in the pits. As a guy I once knew who designed lumber mills once told me...don't try to redeign the paddle wheel...it works.

Jack Olsen · 03-23-2002, 05:43 PM

Actually, I'm going to disagree with Paul on this one.

I used to use the broomstick. The not-so-bad downside is that it tends to get misplaced or left behind. The worse downside is what happens when you're leaning way in there, and you bump it with your shoulder, and the lid comes down on you. I'll grant that the broomstick involves less fabrication, but the prop bars generate fewer lumps on the noggin.

pwd72s · 03-23-2002, 05:50 PM

Hey Jack..I'm not disagreeing with you. I was merely offering a stone age alternative.