Hood shocks question

[s_morrison57]

Hi
I bought front hood shocks a couple of years ago and I'm just needing them now. I tried to compress the shocks and couldn't, I didn't give it full force but I was expecting to be able to compress the shock with moderate pressure, whats' up ? Are mine "frozen" out? How much pressure should it take to compress new shock struts?
Thanks
Finn

[jmohn]

It takes considerable effort to compress new hood shocks, more than I would wish to use with my bare hand on the end of the shock.

Simple install them, one at a time, lower end first (the driver side can be "interesting", do a search for procedure), then lift the lid slightly to allow the end of the shock to align with the bracket on the lid and install the pin.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[sennasixty8]

I like to use a combo of magnets, locking pliers and pick/hook tools for this sorta job, and the pass side (if so equipped) is easier without the airbox lid in the way on 3.2's

[Autoban]

If you can compress them with your hands than they are worn out. Same for the ones in the back.

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by s_morrison57

Hi
I bought front hood shocks a couple of years ago and I'm just needing them now. I tried to compress the shocks and couldn't, I didn't give it full force but I was expecting to be able to compress the shock with moderate pressure, whats' up ? Are mine "frozen" out? How much pressure should it take to compress new shock struts?
Thanks
Finn

They should compress when connected to the car. Otherwise, they'd be too "soft" to support the weight of the hood.

You should be aware there are other alternatives to support the hood and deck lids.

Sherwood

[Jdub]

It doesn't matter - this is a fool's dream, that these hood shocks will ever, ever work over time. Don't care who makes them, whatever - you would do better with a 1969 MG rear trunk set/re-set rod that toggles between up (pull) and down (pull again, then down).

Utterly, totally, willfully and mendaciously wretched items from the bum of Satan. Don't even bother - get a feckin' broomstick.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by Jdub

It doesn't matter - this is a fool's dream, that these hood shocks will ever, ever work over time. Don't care who makes them, whatever - you would do better with a 1969 MG rear trunk set/re-set rod that toggles between up (pull) and down (pull again, then down).

Utterly, totally, willfully and mendaciously wretched items from the bum of Satan. Don't even bother - get a feckin' broomstick.

Well said I use the Seine Systems 'Ultimate Strut'.

[DRACO A5OG]

3/4" PVC, length of a strut, light weight to carry with you or longer to accomodate both front and rear, I had both



The only thing is to remember to remove it before closing the lid

Used for many years until recent strut swap.

[aoncurly]

Word of caution - as you remove your old shocks, watch out for the nylon bushings on either side of the top end. I lost mine as they fell into some never-region of my car as I pulled out my old shocks.

[Danny_Ocean]

Originally Posted by Koizumi

Well said I use the Seine Systems 'Ultimate Strut'.

I had one until it failed...when the alignment mechanic SLAMMED THE HOOD! F-er denied it when I discovered two weeks later and returned to the shop.

[RSBob]

Originally Posted by Koizumi

Well said I use the Seine Systems 'Ultimate Strut'.

Ditto - no more messing with struts, pins, and hassle just to have them die in a year or two.

[Ronnie's.930]

I'm surprised anyone thinks it is difficult to change the struts on either lid - and they are relatively inexpensive, too. It's hard to believe that they actually piss people off!

[Noah930]

Anyone have a recommendation for a hood shock? Regular? SS? Weltmeister? Or do they all randomly fail again in a few years? My stock ones (presumably 25 years-old?) seem to be slowly giving up.

[Ronnie's.930]

Mine are branded "Meyle" and are made in Germany . . . I think I bought them from Pelican . . . they are over four years old and going strong.

[Peter Bull]

Originally Posted by Ronnie's.930

I'm surprised anyone thinks it is difficult to change the struts on either lid - and they are relatively inexpensive, too. It's hard to believe that they actually piss people off!

After having had the hood catch dig into the nape of my neck a couple of times, I understand why people get mad.

Originally Posted by Noah930

Anyone have a recommendation for a hood shock? Regular? SS? Weltmeister? Or do they all randomly fail again in a few years? My stock ones (presumably 25 years-old?) seem to be slowly giving up.

I got a pair with a lifetime warranty some years ago, which don't work anymore. Which is surprising because I got a pair of struts for the rear lid when I bought the car about 12 years ago, and they still work as they should.

/Peter