Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
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Knightrider
Topic author - Posts: 99
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#1 Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
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?
Simon
1966 Series 1 2+2
1966 Series 1 2+2
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#2 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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Gfhug
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#3 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+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
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
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Knightrider
Topic author - Posts: 99
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#4 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
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...
New balance links it is...
Simon
1966 Series 1 2+2
1966 Series 1 2+2
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#5 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
Did you see the last post on JL.... its one drilled hole and a large washer.....Steve
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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Knightrider
Topic author - Posts: 99
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#6 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
Using the clutch master arm? Neat idea, but as Geoff has said wouldn't the bonnet need strengthening?
Simon
1966 Series 1 2+2
1966 Series 1 2+2
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#7 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
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
Steve
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
69 S2 2+2 (sold) ..Realm C type replica, 1960 xk150fhc
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Knightrider
Topic author - Posts: 99
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#8 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
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?
Simon
1966 Series 1 2+2
1966 Series 1 2+2
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Gfhug
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#9 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
Only the strut on one side
Geoff
Geoff
S2 FHC Light Blue
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
S2 OTS LHD - RHD full restoration
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Knightrider
Topic author - Posts: 99
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#10 Re: Retrofit gas strut to series 1 2+2?
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.
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.
Simon
1966 Series 1 2+2
1966 Series 1 2+2
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