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11-28-2016 #1
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2nd Gen Trans Am Hood Strut Conversion
Has anybody switched from the hood hinges and springs to a pair of hood struts? I want to delete the hood latch and use pins instead, so I also want to change from hood springs to gas struts. Anybody done this conversion or know which struts to use? I would think struts from a 250 truck would work because they're designed to hole up more weight but I'd like to see first if anybody has done it already.
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11-29-2016 #2
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I'd recommend Fesler hood hinges and hoodpins
SMSgt Ty Ingle, USAF
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11-29-2016 #3
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Even though an F-250 is a heavier duty truck, I'd doubt that the hood is actually heavier than a half ton. Plus, keep in mind that many newer trucks have aluminum hoods, or at least I know my Ram does, wouldn't be surprised if others do it (aside from the new aluminum Fords). And I'd also bet that the Trans Am hood is heavier than any modern truck hood, the new steels they use are pretty lightweight, and use minimal structure.
Unless you are very experienced with mechanism design, and fabrication, I'd buy an aftermarket hinge like Ringbrothers, or Fesler. Why do you want to go strut? Unless you're running a composite or glass hood, I'd just stick with stock honestly.Josh Campbell- Pushing the limits of my HOA since 2011
71 Firebird- 455, Ridetech front suspension. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...04#post1124504
67 Camaro RS/SS clone, Speedtech front suspension, coilovers, soon to get LT1/T56.
82 Z28- cheapie beater, soon to get a 406.
66 Mustang coupe- 393, T-5, sold. https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/...-Coupe-GT393-C
11-29-2016 #4
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I want to go to struts for a few reasons: (1) With the stock springs and hinges, there is a good bit of pressure constantly pushing up. Since I am doing away with the stock hood latch, I don't want the hood springs and hinges to constantly push on the new hood pins I am going to be getting. (2) My hinges are very flimsy and I need new ones anyway so I'd rather go more modern and save money than spend around $70 for a set of hinges. (3) Simpler design and easier to change out when the struts go bad rather than buy springs and hinges if they go out
11-29-2016 #5
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Just looked at Fesler and the Ringbrothers. Not going to pay $600+ for hinges. Maybe I'll just pay the $70 for stock
12-08-2016 #6
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I would go stock- $70 for the life of the vehicle. I would be worried about not getting the mechanics right and bending the hood in half (I just did this to a freshly painted k5 hood- man repro stuff is flimsy!)
12-08-2016 #7
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Scott from NJ.
Vent Windows Forever! ...
Feather-light suspension, Konis just couldn't hold
I'm so glad I took a look inside your showroom doors
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