Anyone know any links to any sites that sell something to bolt on to hold up the hood and the trunk. I am not sure if my car was supposed to come with this (i imagine so) but I don't seem to have either. It is just kind've a pain to hold up the hood to rear hatch when you are trying to get at something.

 

My solution is cheap and easy:

An old putter I found in my garage

 

Order new rear hatch shocks, those things wear out after about 8~10 years. its a common problem for the first gen. the hood should have a prop rod on the passenger inner fender.

kenn

 

Any links to where this can be ordered and I didn't see one anywhere under the hood but I guess I could've missed it I will have to look again.

 

The rod that holds up the hood isn't very long, around a foot or so, mounted on the driver's side. Yours might have fallen off at some point. I haven't looked at the way the base of the rod is secured to the body, but if yours is gone I'd guess that you could just make yourself a new one with an aluminum dowel and some pliers.

Yeah, most gas struts get crappy after a number of years, especially in colder areas. I think the rear hatch struts run for about $50 a pair. You might be able to find some on ebay.

 

Autozone, Advance Atuo parts, and many other places sell the rear hatch struts. I have seen them for $21 up to $40 each, so shop around for best price.
As for the hood, I feel your pain, the prop rod is missing on mine as well. Thankfully, I have not had to spend much time under the hood. I use a broomstick for the hood, when my son is not available. He is only 13, but anytime I pull the hood release, he raises it up and holds it. Guess I oughta tell him about the broomstick someday..................................

 

Autozone used to sell the hatch struts for $10, but that may have been a couple years ago. BTW, the ones I got from autozone are really strong, so you only need to replace one anyway.

 

jc whitney has a solution you might like as its effective, and only cost a few dollars. Lift Support Repair Bracket part number :ZX134688T $8.99

 

on my rear hatch i used a small ice scraper i put the flat (shapr edge down and the rear part rests almost behind the shock i jsut reccomend looking for something 18 inches long and finding a solid way to put it back thier as for your hood troubles i would either make your own hood prop or i have seen people make some rigged ones out of an old wiper blade mount

all you do us bend a flat spot make a hole screm it into the original prop hole (or jsut stick it in for not permanent use) and then use the other end to prop

sorry for the length
Pm me if you need more ideas