Gas struts

[Merv and Sharon]

I have the common 'rod' bonnet strut, in my case one from Snakebite. I have been thinking about gas struts and I am aware of some of the potential problems with these. Is there a suggested type, model, pressure of strut that is appropriate?

[boxhead]

The best I have seen dont go onto the bonnet, but instead work off the hinge (alot stronger).
Not sure what the hinge setup is on the Harrison?

[Merv and Sharon]

That would get around the problem of deformation of the bonnet edge. Harrisons have the (usual?) curved hinges.

[OZCOBRA]

Merv. I'd even join the 2 Hinges and run 2 smaller struts off each side of a chassis mounted base plate,there are some great little struts about.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks OZ. I think I saw something in a photo a couple of years ago like that ... not sure where.

[Krait]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

Thanks OZ. I think I saw something in a photo a couple of years ago like that ... not sure where.

Merv,

I think Wazza used:

Struts-R-Us
3/29 Ferry St
4211 Nerang QLD

Phone: (07) 5596 0633

There was a thread awhile back on this topic.

Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Geoff. I am interested in any photos of how others have done this and what strut they used and how it was attached. There was a thread in 2004 but not much in that.

[Merv and Sharon]

I did see in PhilM's Nationals post his trunk struts:



Any like this for bonnets?

[Outwest34au]

Any SuperCheapAuto store can order what you need from Struts Australia. Just need to know extended length, closed length, desired shaft diameter and the force required in Nm.
I recently ordered some through them (for a customer) for a door on a JCB backhoe, it was quick and easy and they came in about $28 each from memorex, way way cheaper than genuine.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks - will check that out. I am also interested in what the required Nm might be and how the leverage is best placed - for example, on the hinge or on the bonnet lid itself.

[Modena]

Originally Posted by Outwest34au

Any SuperCheapAuto store can order what you need from Struts Australia. Just need to know extended length, closed length, desired shaft diameter and the force required in Nm.

...that is the problem I think. Go out to your daily driver (or Cobra), lift the bonnet by hand, and tell me what Nm was required ?

[Towmaster]

Merv,
Did you see mine on the weekend at the breakfast? Stainless gas struts made to suit my application from a guy at Capalaba.
Gas Strut Marine Stainless Steel Gas Struts designed specifically for the marine industry - Stainless steel gas struts, Stainless steel gas stays, Marine gas struts, Marine gas stays, Electrical actuators, Linear actuators, TV Lifts
He did mine and Wayne Proctors struts, excellent quality stuff, can get them any length, he can de-gas and re-gas them.

[Merv and Sharon]

That looks great Ash. The Harrison does not have that upper rail as does the DRB but there may be an alternative. Will check it out.

[gjkrv8]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

I did see in PhilM's Nationals post his trunk struts:



Any like this for bonnets?

Hi Merv,

I have them on my boot and bonnet.

The boot is similar to Phil's setup.

The bonnet is pictured below (from my Gallery)

I am happy to see what KN they are if you like.

Rgds

gregg

[Merv and Sharon]

That is neat and seems to look like it would work on the Harrison. If you could check the extended, compressed length and the pressure Gregg, that would help. My hinges are the round tube ones and would need a different attachment, however. With the leverage at that point it would need considerable pressure.

[renovationinnov]

merv
just showed the guy who does all my gas struts for tool boxes & trailer lids he said it was easy to adapt any strut to your purpose [ he would make a bolt on bracket to fit onto your arms 1/3 down from the lid [bonnet ] then hang a plumb bob down to the chassic when the bonnet was at full open ', place a chalk mark close the bonnet chalk mark the chassic , reopen the bonnet & centre between the 2 marks is your mounting point for your bottom mount
then measure the distance from that to your fullopen hinge mark & go to caravan sales & order that lenth [if you can weight the bonnet you can get the correct struts for that weight] if not you can buy a strut & have it regassed to suit the weight
hope this helps
rob

[Mando]

The setup on Towmaster,s car looks great. It nearly makes me want to get the tool kit out! "nearly".

Regards.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Rob. I will have a think about that process (think I have got it ... ) on the weekend. I am keener on having the struts on the hinge if possible to keep them out of the way.

[07cob]

Originally Posted by renovationinnov

make a bolt on bracket to fit onto your arms 1/3 down from the lid [bonnet ] then hang a plumb bob down to the chassic when the bonnet was at full open ', place a chalk mark close the bonnet chalk mark the chassic , reopen the bonnet & centre between the 2 marks is your mounting point for your bottom mount then measure the distance from that to your fullopen hinge mark & go to caravan sales & order that lenth [if you can weight the bonnet you can get the correct struts for that weight] if not you can buy a strut & have it regassed to suit the weight
hope this helps
rob

Rob, this is gold! Working out locations for these struts can be a lot of trial and even more error.

Merv, a bit late for you but here is the setup I have for attaching my struts to the bonnet. Al bracket pinned to the underside of the bonnet. All glassed together and painted. My struts are from a fibreglass canopy.



Cheers

Geof

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Geof. Your success is what motivated me. I am still not sure if I will go for struts on the bonnet edge or on the hinge itself. The mechanics can be complex!