Godless Commie

iTrader: (2)

I have been using hood struts for a while now. They are convenient and all, but there is one drawback..
They raise the back of the hood when it is closed. This happens after a while.




The reason is simple.
Struts impart a force on the hinges while closed, and they just distort after a while.
Those hinges were not designed to handle that type of a load, after all.

The aluminum strip in the following pics follows the bend line of the hinges.






The solution is reinforcing the said hinges.
So, I took a length of angled iron, and cut it just off center in such a manner that the now flat bar had a "backbone" for added strength..

Then trace the hinge on the flat bar, and cut and drill away...



After rough cut.
This is the correct orientation for proper fit.
Also, you can see the "backbone" I left on the flat portion for strength.



All cleaned up.




Fits nicely.


Bent no mo.



Painted and installed.



Well, rear corners of my hood do not stick up anymore....

n1helix

As someone who has hood struts and is experiencing the exact same issue, would you mind posting the dimensions of the brackets? I have access to a waterjet so I'm thinking of just cutting them out that way.

Thank You,

Godless Commie

iTrader: (2)

Would it be OK if I removed and traced them on paper?
I could then attach a scale on the trace, scan and post it here (or mail it to you).

Would that work?

hi_im_sean

iTrader: (3)

Ill model it for you guys if you send me the info

n1helix

A trace with a scale would be perfect. And yeah posting it here will be fine, no need to mail anything 😁

SouthEastMiata

Was this ever shared for the dimensions? I’d be interested in this.

Fireindc

iTrader: (13)

My car does this too, interesting solution. Thanks for the bump. Post here if you are getting some made, I'd buy em.

MrMiataMan

Somebody should make a kit that sells these upgraded hinges and struts... I bet they would sell like hot cakes

stevos555

same issue here - maybe Sadfab considers a Group Buy

HarryB

Working on something similar, but sandwiched between the hinge and the hood as there's no space for a proper stiffening rib on the passenger side, due to the HVAC system snorkel cover. I can make a few extras for sale. Will update this space when done.

joe morreale

I've seen this on a few cars. Funny, in my mind i thought it was intentionally modified that way, to evacuate underhood pressure.