The hood struts on my Superamerica are starting to go. Now that the weather is warmer, they sort of work. How does one go about changing these struts? How do they snap off? Does anyone have pictures? Thanks
Since nobody's answered I'll try to help. I've never seen a Superamerica hood strut but I've messed with a few of them on other cars. Usually at each end of the strut is a cup (aka socket) that engages a ball attached to the hood. Typically there is a spring steel collar of some kind around the cup that keeps the ball from coming out of the cup, so detaching the strut is a matter of determining how to get that spring steel collar out of the way. It might slide down along the axis of the strut. It also might just be C-shaped and snap off the strut by being pried with a small screwdriver. I think if you look at it closely you might be able to tell what's needed. Otherwise take a closeup photo for us to look at.
I finally had a chance to look at the struts on my Challenge Stradale. As I suspected, they have a C-shaped spring steel clip which when pried away from the cup a little using the notch at the bottom can be slid upwards 1/4" or so in its slot thus allowing the cup to come away from the ball. If you slide it further up the clip will come off, which if you are not expecting may cause it to fly away. Also, be sure you have someone or something supporting the hood before you pull the strut away. See below pictures of the clip in the original and in the released position. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
