bonnet struts

[eygo]

i have a spare telescopic strut from a tailgate and was thinking of trying to fit it on the bonnet has anyone tried this ,

if it has been tried are there any pointers for the mounting positions.

 

thanks

 

[MrZardoz]

I miss mine from my previous car, might try this myself. Found this just now: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Install-Bonnet-Lifters-Gas-Bonnet-Struts-on/

[eygo]

thanks for the reply

on the mk2 there isnt much to fasten the struts to

so it wont be the easiest job to do

once i know where everything is going to be fixed to

i'm going to ask if i can have some brackets laser cut at work

just to make the job look more oem.

[MrZardoz]

That’ll look tidy! On the linked How-To above I noticed he went for a small strut each side but my previous car only had one large strut. Needs a lot more research.

[PeteB]

Way, way back in the mid 1970s, a new British Leyland car (the Austin/Morris Princess) was launched and they had dual gas struts to support the bonnet.  I remember reading a review in one of the prevalent motoring magazines of the era and they commented "surely all quality cars will have these from now on".

Personally, I think it's shameful on cars costing £20k or more (or getting on for £40k for my RAV with its options and accessories) to have all the modern Hybrid and safety kit but still have to use a manual prop to hold the bonnet up.  I actually open the bonnet (to check levels etc.) more often than I open the boot.

[flash22]

Some models did come with them

a quick google shows some aftermarket kits

eg.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000304826318.html

[yossarian247]

1 hour ago, PeteB said:

 

Personally, I think it's shameful on cars costing £20k or more (or getting on for £40k for my RAV with its options and accessories) to have all the modern Hybrid and safety kit but still have to use a manual prop to hold the bonnet up.  I actually open the bonnet (to check levels etc.) more often than I open the boot.

I agree. I wonder how many drivers nowadays regularly bother to open the bonnet of their own car though? I know quite a few people who only grudgingly open theirs when the washer fluid is empty.

[MrZardoz]

6 hours ago, flash22 said:

Some models did come with them

a quick google shows some aftermarket kits

eg.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000304826318.html

Cheers Flash!

Had a dig and found the mk1 versions here: https://m.aliexpress.com/item/4001062051620.html

[PeteB]

10 hours ago, yossarian247 said:

...I know quite a few people who only grudgingly open theirs when the washer fluid is empty.

yes, I know what you mean.

The washer reservoir on the RAV4 must be enormous because even with front and rear washers, plus headlamp wash, mine lasted to the first annual service at almost 10,000 miles without the low level warning displaying, let alone needing a top-up!  On that basis, some people would never open the bonnet.

[eygo]

ah well revision 1 of the bonnet strut didnt go well

but i am hopefull of revision 2 being successful

once the other half comes back in i am going to try and

fit the strut if this one works i will post some pictures

fingers crossed

[eygo]

revision 2 is now fully working

i used a vw polo tailgate strut on the auris

 

[MrZardoz]

Great stuff, tidy job!

[eygo]

thanks Daz i had to make the mounting brackets in the garage

but yes it worked out well

quiet happy now