Thunderboy

My hood gaslifts were shot, so instead of spending a lot of bucks for new ones; that would eventually warp the fiberglass hood I want to install next, i decided to make my own prop bars out of aluminum.

Just hold the hood up at the desired opening angle, and measure the distance between the pins. take some bar stock, and drill a couple holes in each and rounded off the corners to give a custom appearance. I wet sanded them using fine sandpaper and green scotchbrite pad for a satin finish, and a matte clear on top for a finished, non-smudge look.

I tried to keep one end attached to make it pivot (either top or bottom) , but the hinge base doesn't allow it...so you have to put them on and take them off when you close the hood. I keep mine under the right rear passenger mat. Looks good at car shows also, they could be anodized to compliment the car color, or you can get creative, and swiss cheese it along its entire lenght or something (just start with a wider bar stock).

Just wanted to share it with ya...

Thunderboy

another pic

SLP IROC-Z

iTrader: (1)

thats a nice idea, especially for shows or somethin, but make sure no one trys to close ur hood for u when u have those things on there!

TunedPort 335

Thats an awesome idea. My hoods pistons are shot also, and I'm going to be puttin on my fiberglass hood soon...just like you.

I think I'm gonna try makin one of those. And I'll polish it too

1fastformula

I think that that is pretty cool,,,Better than the ole' wooden broom handle mod!!!! I prefer replacing the struts myself. Advance Auto has them for about $30.00 for both.

Still in all........Nice mod. Like he said above though.....Do not let someone try to close the hood with it on. CATASTROPHE!!!!!

Later

Petes 84Z28

Great idea!
I'm just wondering though...if the bottom end was filed thinner, would you be able to use the stock clips to retain the prop rod? You could then put a piece of foam tape under where the upper end rests when closed to keep it from rattling while driving.
Just an idea...

Pete

profiveo

Cool idea. Alot better than a wooden stick If I didnt replace mine 3 weeks ago I would probably do what you did.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Nice idea. Now take it to the next level. Hinge it in the center, and put a stopper on it so that it'll lock open by rotating just a tad past vertical. Now you don't have to screw around with attaching and removing it all the time.

bigals87z28

Jim, you took the words right out of my mouth.... but i think he said something about how the hinge wouldnt allow it or something, and thats why he has to take it off but i dont see how since the strut used to be able to sit in there pretty good.

Thunderboy

That's what I tried Pete, but there isn't space for it... even closing the hood and sandwiching the part in between could probably cause a dent from underneath, if it closes at all..

Yeah, I know what you mean Jim, kinda like a Nascar hood hinge, the thing is, the base has a lip that doesn't allow for an extra piece between it and the hood (for pivoting forward), and I think it would rattle a lot, unless you placed some foam rubber or something. Also, there's not much space laterally, for the head of a bolt (that would serve as a pivot), maybe it would rub or hit the fender.
But if anyone makes it work, send some pics!! or, a complete aluminum base plate and hinge could be fabricated, if a lightweight hood is going to be used, helping to trim even more weight.

Bigals, the reason why the oem strut fits, , is because it compresses as you close the hood, and occupies less space longitudinally as it does so... but in a linear way, without any rotating or pivoting parts.