The 'E' Type Forum

Hi can anyone tell me the extended length of the bonnet gas strut please?
I suspect mine is not correct at 20" fully extended.
Is there a modern equivalent or do I need to get one from one of the regulars?
Thanks
Steve

Do you have the end fittings? If so you could try from SGS Engineering:
NitroLift GS8-18-200-250 Fixed Force Gas Strut. This is slightly longer than the one from the usual giving a greater angle of opening without the bumper over riders hitting the ground. The end fittings from SGS aren’t correct so you wouldn’t add any to your order.

Geoff

Geoff is correct and a bit more opening is very helpful.

When using a longer strut make sure that you stay way away from the balance point of the bonnet. So there is still plenty of force wanting to close the bonnet.

In different circumstances I had a bonnet get away from me and drop fully forward. This wrecked the bonnet and nearly pulled the car I was working on off the hoist on top of me. Terrifying.

Andrew, a very valid point. Also the strength of the strut from the usual is shown as 480N, I went a bit stronger but not too much or it will also tend to throw the bonnet strongly forward at the top of the stroke.

Geoff

On my 1970 OTS it‘s max is 478mm (18“3/4).



Martin

Thanks Martin. Mine is just about the same dlmensions as your drawing. My car is a Series 1 2+2 but the gas strut has been fitted when a series 2 bonnet was fitted sometime in the '80s. It works OK.
Steve

Thanks Martin. Mine is just about the same dlmensions as your drawing. My car is a Series 1 2+2 but the gas strut has been fitted when a series 2 bonnet was fitted sometime in the '80s. It works OK.
Steve