The 'E' Type Forum

My left-hand bonnet balance link is broken so I will be looking to replace them when I refit my bonnet. Before I order, I was wondering if anyone has retrofitted a gas strut to the series 1 cars to make life easier? Most of the available struts/brackets seem to be specific to the series 2?

One thing to remember is that the attachment point on the bonnet is a strengthening plate. I’ve not read all the Jaglovers Steve has referred to, maybe it is mentioned there also.

Geoff

Useful thread - thanks. A bit more involved than I want to go I think - I'd rather not do anything irreversible. I guess I was hoping someone had developed a bolt-on adapter!

New balance links it is...

Did you see the last post on JL.... its one drilled hole and a large washer.....Steve

Using the clutch master arm? Neat idea, but as Geoff has said wouldn't the bonnet need strengthening?

Bonnet strengthened by the large washer...or asmentioned in the link use a plate with rivnuts or even rivets rather than weld....very simple diy solution....Steve

I'll look into it! On series 2 cars, there is only a strut on one side - is the other side just the hinge pin, or is there a balance spring as well?

Only the strut on one side

Geoff

I've just found this old post as well:

viewtopic.php?t=4512#p110010

Looks like the strut is mounted to the original balancer bracket? Quite a nice solution with no permanent changes - not sure if the strut is the same as the series 2 or a different length to make it work though.