Can new hood shocks damage my hood?

[H.G.P.]

I've seen many advertisements for hood shocks, including at a certain auction web site. My shocks have pressure, however currently insufficient to hold up the hood. Is it possible for new OEM shocks to destabilize or dent/crack an early model but excellent conditioned hood? And is this possible with aftermarket shocks also? Thank you.

[Roy M]

Can't imagine it happening - fitted some to mine recently and they didn't seem much better than the ones that came off but they held the hood up!

Do a search and check out recent posts - the drivers side (passenger for me!) is difficult to get the bottom clip on - some good tips in a recent posting!

[True Brit]

Odd this...my old shocks wouldn't hold the hood up (whacked me on the head a few times) so I went out and bought some brand-new ones. And guess what? They didn't hold the hood up either. Why's that then?

[cegerer]

I recently installed the heavy-duty Weltmeister struts. Seem to work great and have a lifetime guarantee. The PO had replaced the hood struts 3 times in 4 years with the standard units. -- Curt

[GeorgeK]

I had the same problem on my '83. The std shocks were only JUST holding the hood up, and the slightest wind would send it right down.
I searched the yellow pages for a general industrial supplier and ordered from Stabilus (the OEM supplier) the same shocks, but with a 500N rating instead of the factory 380N rating. I put only it on one side, leaving the OEM on the other side, and never had to think about it again in three years.
On my '76 (no textured "gravel proofing" under the hood, and only one layer of paint...), the std shocks work perfectly. Guess the '83 has a few layers of paint..
GeorgeK

[Argo]

Buy the heavy duty ones. I got a pair for the front from that auction site and couldn't be more pleased. Even when working in sub freezing temps this winter the hood would pop right up and stay up. A properly functioning hood is a nice touch.

Oh, and buy yourself a pair of 10-12" forceps for that driver's side clip. You'll thank yourself later.

Argo
88 Targa

[JMPRO]

I have a drawer full of old shocks, just can't bring my self to throw them out{they must be good for something}. Even old shocks that won't hold up the hood can still have up to 130lbs of resistance, so ikeep thinking i will find a use for them.Any ideas out there. Maybe exercize equiptment. maybe a replacement for viagra.How about we all put all our old shocks in one big box and send it to the porsche engineering dept as a tribute to thier blunder.
these ramblings keep me sane. BTW, does any one else think the new nisson pickup looks like studebaker is alive and well and living in japan.
Jerry

[H.G.P.]

Thanks....I've previously read some of the other threads on hood shocks, but could not find anything on possible excessive pressure effects. Regarding the longevity issue, I was also wondering whether all these shocks are specifically made to each model year, as opposed to universal shocks.

[Bill Douglas]

I replaced my hood shocks with the ones supplied by our gracious host and they work fine.

[H.G.P.]

Thanks everyone....and thanks Bill, I've been very pleased with my products ordered from Pelican.

[Blizzard]

I replaced mine, front and rear, with heavy duty shocks FROM PELICAN PARTS. Now my hood stays up even when the bra is on it!