GTS Engine Stay measurement

Engine stay?
Might need a pic to sort out what you're referring to.

 

Are you talking about the rod that holds up the engine cover?

 

You probably think it's too short because the deck lid doesn't go as high as you think it should. At least that is what I thought when I first got my '77.
Anyway, I measure just the round part of the stay rod right at 17.25 inches. You would have to add the flat section at the bottom to which the rollers are fastened, as well as the swivel bracket at the top for the total length.

 

Can't help you with the exact length of the original prop. I did have to address an issue with the prop on my '76 GTB when I got it. The upper mount of the prop has that U-joint like piece that allows the prop to fold when closing the engine cover. I believe the original piece was made of a hard plastic that was easily broken with age. There is a replacement made of metal that I would recommend installing. As to the length of the prop rod (tube, actually), I took the opportunity to make the prop on my car a bit longer than stock. Simply sourced steel tubing of the same inside diameter and wall thickness and cut it perhaps 2 inches longer than stock, though I don't recall exactly. I think the extra length of the prop gives a bit more head room when working on the top side of the engine. Just a thought.

 

Just finished wiping my car down after a ride this afternoon and measured the length of the engine cover prop rod/tube that I had lengthened some years ago. The measurement of the tube alone is 22 inches. Adding the top swivel fixture and lower rollers, the overall length is approaching 24 inches. It has worked fine for me for the 12 or so years since I lengthened it. It does not bind, and still has plenty of room to lie flat when the engine cover is shut. As I had previously mentioned, it is nice to have a bit more headroom when working in the engine compartment.