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Hood/Bonnet props

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jjbunn

jjbunn

Jedi Knight
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The bonnet on Harold is missing its prop. I think it is an older bonnet than a '73, since it appears to have used a rod prop. Are the rod props better than the telescoping props? There's a guy selling a self-triggering telescoping prop on Ebay for $27, which is about what Moss wants for a rod prop (what a rip-off!).

Decisions, decisions! I think Doc told me he recommends the rod type. Other opinions?
 
If the hood is an early ~aluminium~ one, the telescoping one has potential to be damaging. Too much resistance can kink the hood. If it's the steel one it likely would work fine.
 
Lots of stuff on eBay when you include shipping is the same price as at one of our vendors or sometimes even more. Gota watch closely.
 
I like the prop rods for both the boot and bonnet better than the telescoping ones. They are a little more trouble to use, but they are much kinder to your sheet metal.

Dave
 
As long as you disallow anyone ELSE from "helping" you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 

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Here's the bootlid strut kit as installed on my 1968 MGC
 

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And the GT kit as installed on my 1974.5 MGB/GT
 

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I have a telescoping unit on my GT, installed by the previous owner. My '65 still has the original prop rod.

I prefer the prop rod for a few reasons. It looks better, and you don't have to put it exactly in the slot if you don't want to. You can even put a couple extra mounting points for raising the hood higher or lower if desired.

The telescoping rod is a little easier since you don't have to manually place it.

Strut kits work great also, but only if you don't mind a modern component in the car. I'm admittedly a purist, but I hate the look and sound of those things in a classic car! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif
 
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Contact me offlist if you are interested in gas charged struts for your MGB (steel bonnet) I also have bootlid strut kits and GT strut kits available.

https://hometown.aol.com/mowog1/myhomepage/business.html

The attached picture shows the kit installed on my 1978 MGB

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Wow, those all look fabulous! Hmmm ... Christmas is coming :smile:
 
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If the hood is an early ~aluminium~ one, the telescoping one has potential to be damaging. Too much resistance can kink the hood. If it's the steel one it likely would work fine.

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Is there an easy way of telling which I have, other than searching for a magnet?!
 
My B's have factory telescopic deals....I don't mind them at all...as long as nobody else touches your hood, or trunk lid. The struts look like a good idea to, but I've had some bad experiences with those(rear hatch struts and hood struts on the Camaro go every few years nomatter what brand I replace them with). I like the prop thing as well, on the MGA's you can put it into the trough against one of the rubber stoppers and get the hood almost verticle.
 
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My B's have factory telescopic deals....I don't mind them at all...as long as nobody else touches your hood, or trunk lid. The struts look like a good idea to, but I've had some bad experiences with those(rear hatch struts and hood struts on the Camaro go every few years nomatter what brand I replace them with). I like the prop thing as well, on the MGA's you can put it into the trough against one of the rubber stoppers and get the hood almost verticle.

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That's just one of the nice perks of the gas charged strut..anyone can now "help" you close the bootlid with your fear of bent sheetmetal. Ditto with the bonnet.

I will NOT sell my bonnet strut kits to anyone with an "aluminium...aluminum" bonnet because of the pressure exerted against the sheet metal and its potential to end up with a bent bonnet...

And...you're right...everything has a life expectancy...I just sold a replacement set of bootlid struts to an enthusiast in Colorado who purchased his first set from Ian Pender (who I got the business from) back in 1999. For those cases, it is not necessary to buy to complete kit, I'll sell just the struts.

I, too, have replaced hatch struts on my 1990 Honda CRX (after 16 years of service) as well as on my Pathfinder (after 11 years of service).

HTH

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 
If all you need is an early prop rod, contact me when I get home in January - I've got them for about $5 each plus shipping! If you have a steel hood, go with Tim's kit...only way to go!
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
If the hood is an early ~aluminium~ one, the telescoping one has potential to be damaging. Too much resistance can kink the hood. If it's the steel one it likely would work fine.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is there an easy way of telling which I have, other than searching for a magnet?!

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...ummm... Look onna 'fridge (the big white box in your kitchen)... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

...can't believe you don't have a magnet lyin' about somewheres. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I am a firm believer in Rick's gas struts (even though I didn't get mine from Rick). The struts are like putting the bonnet on viagra, gets it right up there so you can work inthe engine compartment without hitting your head and there is no prop rod to get in your way. For the trunk, there is no having to uss with the prop rod or remembering to release the telescoping trigger, just pull the lid down and let go of it.
Cheers,
 
I am a firm believer in Rick's gas struts (even though I didn't get mine from Rick). The struts are like putting the bonnet on viagra, gets it right up there so you can work in the engine compartment without hitting your head and there is no prop rod to get in your way. For the trunk, there is no having to uss with the prop rod or remembering to release the telescoping trigger, just pull the lid down and let go of it.
Cheers,
 
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gets it right up there so you can work inthe engine compartment without hitting your head and there is no prop rod to get in your way

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Aren't the struts still partially in the way as well? Maybe just not quite as much? And remember that you can move the rod slot or change the length of the rod if you prefer a more vertical hood. Just another option.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Contact me offlist if you are interested in gas charged struts for your MGB (steel bonnet) I also have bootlid strut kits and GT strut kits available.

https://hometown.aol.com/mowog1/myhomepage/business.html

The attached picture shows the kit installed on my 1978 MGB

[/ QUOTE ]

Rick, You should have entered that valve cover in the VC races at Gburg. Sharp! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif PJ
 
"Wow! Look at the erection on that bonnet!"

Does anyone have a used prop rod they would like to part with for a fair price?
 
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