Has anybody actually fabbed gas struts (like on the hatch) on the front hood to hold the hood up instead of the prop ? Pics would be great.

 

Ive seen it done a while back by Gregs, I think thats who did it. Maybe search? I dont know how far back the archives go.

~T.J.

 

Actually, here you go. Two seconds with a search.

https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showthread.php?t=342430

~T.J.

 

Thanks, but no thanks. j/k

I would prefer a kinder, gentler hatch strut mod.

 

I did it to my car, the only issue I had is that the strut forcing the hood up (when it's closed) makes the body gaps larger in that side. Even still I kept it that way until I had to put something in that area... I miss it.

BTW I didn't realize you were still around T.J. are you still in the milatary?

 

go get some struts and get in the garage and start fabricating

 

 

I would always be afraid of it popping up while I was driving. Or trying to pop up. I would much rather just use the hood prop.

 

^^^^ thse were my exact thoguth when i thoght avbout doin it....goin down the highway takin a turn and...BAM hood pops up

 

you would need a SERIOUSLY strong strut to raise the hood against the wind, and also you would need a seriously faulty hood latch and ive seen hundreds of first gens and never once heard of a faulty hood latch.
common sense works wonders.

 

i think i might try this. any suggestions?

 

I wouldn't worry about the hood popping up. Do you have any idea how many cars are on the road that have struts and rear hinges? Granted, they have a safety catch and we don't, but it still shouldn't be a problem.

 

I've looked into this idea a few times but did not pursue it. You would have to use shocks that are used on camper shells because of the lightweight hood. They come in different lenghts and llbs ratings. Go to your local Napa and look thru the balkamp book for the specs.


Personally I've always wanted a 1 piece flip up frontend for my rex

 

i will put pics up as i go i my plans or to put two in front of the rad on my new 83 gsl sould be fun

 

our safety catch is that the hood opens from the top.

 

Now a one piece flip up frontend. Now that would be something.

 

Im not really "around" so to speak. I browse through here every now and then, but I dont have a 7 anymore - still. Or should I say, I still have my 83, but it hasnt been touched since the theft recovery. I need to do something with it though, its just sitting in the way.

Yeah, still in the military (reserves) working as military police. Went to Germany for a while, came back. Up until a couple weeks ago was working as an auto tech for a local company for the past year, now unemployed.

Still missing my 7, and want another one/mine to run again, but alas, probably wont happen.

Life pretty much sucks still, haha. Its strange to come here and see all the new guys, and only a handful of the old-skool guys hanging around.

~T.J.

 

any up dates on this? pics?