Any tricks for the front hood hinges?

Hey everyone,

The front hood on my '87 TR just won't stay up. Are there any tricks I can do to the hinges or springs? Do they make a hood spring version of Viagra?

Joe

 

Have you installed new lifts? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stabilus-sg437003-OEM-2-Front-Trunk-Gas-Lift-Supports-Bonnet-Lift-Support-/231078184267?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ATestarossa&hash=item35cd55454b&vxp=mtr

 

I fitted new ones from Ferrari to my car last year but they still barely work

Bad design??

Phil

 

Are you guys telling it's not Worth to replace them. I was going to order new ones for mine.
Are the OEM ones STABILUS?

 

If I hold the hood open for about 60 seconds, the hood will just stay open on its own. However, a gust will close it all too easily.

I don't think its the best design from Maranello

 

The problem is the "freshness". Even when good, there isn't a lot of force margin. A new gas spring that's been sitting horizontally on the shelf for many years, without any motion to keep the seal lubricated, can go "flat".

Yes. If you do a search on that Stabilus "SG437003" part number, you'll get prior threads -- but the SPC indicates there is a difference that occurred in the 76XXX chassis serial number range IIRC so I can only confirm that that SG... fits the later TR -- although I use the Balkamp with special brass fittings added to correct the tab's hole diameter and thickness:
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Yes I know about freshness, there is a place where they specialize in those and talk about constant rotation of their stock for freshness. I can't remember who they were but when they specifically talk about that gives you a good clue of the business.

 

The aftermarket ones are great from you local parts store. Go to the cross ref thread for details and replace. Then you bonnet will stay up. Oh. Get new cotter pins as well. You'll need them. I did not need those spacers. They fit perfectly. I had a 1990

R

 

Thanks for the info, everyone!

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I did a lot of research here and swapped mine to Stabilus SG402012, bought them from Autozone. That was two years ago, no signs of weakness or failing yet, and the wind is not going to blow the hood shut. Very firm but no worries about damaging aluminum hood.

BTW my OEM originals (Stabilus also) were factory charged to 200 Newtons and the SG402012 are 498 N. Also the SG402012 do not require any adapter(s).

 

That's helpful, thanks!

 

I bought a set from autozone too and they work great!

However...

I had to grind one side of the weld that attaches the eyelet to the rod because it would not slide over the post far enough to get a cotter pin in the hole.

It wasn't a big deal and it didn't degrade the integrity.

Sorry, I should have taken pics.

 

+1000 for the suggestion from 302Tim! I got the SG402012 and they worked great! I just had to remove a metal lock bracket from each unit. Also, mine appeared to have some extra metal on on side of the area that goes over the pins, bit I just flipped them over and had a I had enough room for the cotter pins. My hood stays up all the time when I want it to now; reminds me of me in my twenties.

Joe

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Glad it worked out. And to answer Claude's question, the original struts were still on my car when I bought it two years ago (front and rear), I've since replaced the front and had the rears recharged. My main computer is down for a few days but when back up I'll post photos for reference--they were originally Stabilus.