I wanted to document this and make it easily searchable because every time I open or close my hood it's so satisfying. Thanks go to Jeff Chandler (Yellowseries3) for originating the mod in the first place and sending me a pair (prev pt #) of springs gratis, and Thorsen for finding the correct substitute part number that is the identical spring to Jeffs. The McMaster-Carr part number is 9657K521 compression spring, 2.5" long, .975"od, .827" id, pack of 6. It makes opening the hood so much less dramatic with the hood clanging up against the stops, and closing the hood is so much more civilized, it just drops down uneventful like a refined jag should. It's such an inexpensive gratifying mod that I think it should be shared. Thank you to both Jag friends.
Bill

 

I can confirm these springs work great. I put them on my car yesterday and it makes closing the hood - and keeping it closed when driving - so much easier!
The original spring on the left, Slofut's spring on the right.

 

Does this correct the hood springing open on the right side when the body/frame flexes a bit???

 

No, that's more an alignment or latch/striker pin issue. They can be a bit finicky to get sorted but not nearly as bad as a C3 corvette. Check that your latch mechanism or hood pin isn't badly worn and that the latch moves properly with the cable. Lot of trial and error and fear (hood getting stuck closed). Years back I had a backup method to pop the latches in this case but icr now what it was.

 

Damn! they won't ship to Canada! No such springs up here!

 

PM me your address, I'll send you a pair.
Actually, I have four more pair left after iramphal and I bought them to share, so anyone else wanting a pair PM me your address and I'll send them out.

 

Dang guys, have to correct my post above. I only had three extra pair. Iramphal and Yachtman have spoken so I have one more pair left. Sorry for the confusion.

 

Sending my last pair to nileseh for his unfortunately recently broken kitty.

 

I have always been unhappy when I pop the "Bonnet", especially when someone asks to see the beautiful engin. It's even worse when I have to slam it shut! So I'm really looking forward to my springs - Thanks to slofut. I will have to cut my existing spring off to gain proper access to the pin, that is well and truly stuck firm, So I will need that new set of springs!
Anyone have some alternative to slaken the pin before I reach for the angle grinder - I cannot even slaken the Jam nut. Heat I fear will just blister the exterior hood paint.

 

Can you use a pair of pliers as a spring compressor? You just need to be able to wedge a 9/16" wrench to loosen the jam nut.



Also, I had previously had issues with the hood occasionally popping free above 80 mph. I suspect too much air entering the front of the grill and it not exiting the engine bay fast enough caused a pressure build up. I took it out during rush hour yesterday and let the speedometer record the max speed. No hood lifting issues with the new springs.

 

To get to the jamb nut I was able to just use my fingers like a three claw puller and pull up on the spring and lower cup to get a wrench on the nut. Turn the nut loose direction usually turns the bolt and presto the whole thing comes out. Glad you like the springs Thorsen. No more slamming the hood! I'm kinda liking that speedhut clock...

Thanks again Jeff Chandler!

 

So, thank you to SLOFUT. He sent me two bonnet latch springs (and an enjoyable CD) at his exhorbitant expense. Well, like he has said, the best simple mod to get around scaring everyone in the lot, when someone says "can I see the engine", which is pleasing to me, but an embarrassment to open the bonnet. Those springs are great, but the US supplier refuses to ship to Canada, unless you are a registered Business or a School. I tried!
Thanks again, Ian

 

So glad you like them Ian, and the music too!

 

Thank you Jeff and Bill
Just installed the new springs tonight, Definitely the " Bees Knees or the "Cats Meow" ... I often pop my hood after a good run, to let the engine bay breath... and make restarts easier.
This was a simple and straight forward mod.
Rgds
David

 

Hi Bill,

Is the benefit that these springs require less force to close the hood - mine scares me every time I close it, I fear that it will bend or break something with the impact. I would take a pair of yours, but will source from MC if you have none left. Thanks, Brad

 

Hey Ian,

I'd like to try this mod as well. I could get MC to ship to my work address or some other business address, so if you still need a pair of springs let me know.

Brad

 

Brad, I've already sent all mine out but yes, much less force to close the hood, feels much more normal. But also much less force when opening too. The hood doesn't slam up so hard against the safety latch, much more normal and graceful.
Bill

 

Picture of Bonnet latch with new low power

springs. So, So Pleased!

 

I’m glad I could help in some small way. I had the bonnet off for an engine project and then I spent weeks trying to adjust the hinges and latches so the darn thing would stay closed. There is one particular street near us and every single time I went down that street the bonnet would pop open. After I changed to the weaker springs I haven't had it pop open once.
Jeff

 

Has anyone got a supplier for these springs in the UK or Europe. I tried a few suppliers using the spec on another thread but either no availability or an exorbitant cost for manufacturing them.

If not, would any of you charming owners in the US be prepared to buy some and ship them to me? I’d send money in advance (PayPal or Wise, maybe) and would cover any new tariffs that are imposed between order and receipt….

Thanks

Mark