| Author | Message | ||
| Alberto (Aabreu)
Junior Member Username: Aabreu Post Number: 76 Registered: 9-2001 |
Im the one that said I had my hood reinforced. It was done by Gary Bobileff in San Diego, the mechanic I take my car to. He straightened the hood, welded a metal piece over the holes where the strut connects to the hood and then painted both upper and under side. Unless you open the hood and look where the strut connects (where you can see the metal piece covering the holes) you cannot tell it was repaired. Don't know where you are, but if you need Gary's number I can post it for you. | ||
| Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Member Username: Craigfl Post Number: 423 Registered: 1-2001 |
Sorry John.... I didn't reinforce my hood. It only has a very slight mark/line at that edge that you can only see looking closly. When I installed it, it had a higher force to close (the old one just uses gravity) and it still applies some force at the bracket when closed. This force causes my hood to bulge slightly at that point which I didn't care for. | ||
| Daniel B Reese MD (Dbr328gtb)
Junior Member Username: Dbr328gtb Post Number: 111 Registered: 5-2001 |
The 88.5 and 89 models have the strut on the passenger side of the hood with more reinforcement so its not so easy to convert. Once I got my hood repaired ($800!) I just disconnected the strut from the hood leaving it attached on the other end and taped it down to the well. When I show it, its easy to put back on and otherwise I use a hood prop so I dont kink the hood again. The engineer must have had too much wine the day he thought this design up! Dan | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
New member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 11 Registered: 8-2002 |
Craig, I sure wish I would have gotten your response earlier -- just ordered the 89 version from T. Rutlands -- $50.00 -- anyhow, mine is already crimped -- how did you reinforce your hood?? I am most probably going to repaint soon and would like to eliminate this certain problem!! Thanks | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Junior Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 77 Registered: 6-2002 |
In my opinion...or as an engineer told me...it simply doesn't make practical sense where the original is located. Whether it is gas or not, the support should be at the top(near the windshield) in order to eliminate any possibility of stress on the hood whatsoever...The judges can kiss my ENTIRE ass if they don't agree. I do what is best for my girl  TTG | ||
| Alberto (Aabreu)
Junior Member Username: Aabreu Post Number: 73 Registered: 9-2001 |
I have the hood strut without the pin. I replaced the original (kept it, in case I enter a concour event) after the transport company bent my hood. The new strut works great, but I did get the hood fixed and reinforced so I do not have the problem that Craig has. If you do not fix and reinforce, it will make it worse, as he said. I do not have the part number, sorry. | ||
| Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Member Username: Craigfl Post Number: 422 Registered: 1-2001 |
John, I have the gas strut replacement for the button type that I would sell for $20.00 + shipping. It is essentially new/unused(except fot the 10 minutes I tried it). I bought it to replace mine but I didn't like the way it worked because my front bonnet had been very slightly kinked and the increased force from the gas strut seemed to make the situation worse. If yours was undamaged, it probably would work ok. | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Junior Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 67 Registered: 6-2002 |
I just took that stupid hood arm off when my hood got a liitle crimp in it and ordered a telescoping hood prop from snap-on. It makes a heck of alot more sense...the original is almost guaranteed to screw your hood up...it's a matter of time... | ||
| david handa (Davehanda)
Junior Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 141 Registered: 5-2001 |
John, might be quickest to call your dealer or T.Rutland's for info. on the hood strut. (770)493-8852 | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
New member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 10 Registered: 8-2002 |
Can this been switched? | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
New member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 9 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks for the Information on the tires -- any takers on the hood upgrade>> | ||
| Todd Gieger (Todd328gts)
Junior Member Username: Todd328gts Post Number: 62 Registered: 6-2002 |
On my 86 328GTS, I have Toyos/Proxes T1 225/50 ZR16 in the front and 245/45 ZR16 in the rear. I am VERY happy I went up a size. | ||
| Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
Junior Member Username: Lens Post Number: 205 Registered: 3-2001 |
John, I f you want to keep the car as stock as possible, then the OE replacement tire for the original Goodyear NCTs are Goodyear Eagles HP Ultra Plus - 205/55ZR16 Front, 225/50ZR16 Rear. | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
New member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 7 Registered: 8-2002 |
I have heard talk of replacing the original 86-88 328 GTS hood arm with the 1989 arm so that you do not crimp the hood?? Does anyone know the part or part numbers to do this?? Also any recommendations on replacement tires to include manufacturer and size -- my car currently has wider/lower tires on the front and rear than specified! Johnny |