Bill,
I think I will need consider final length with and without carpet
Try this: Prop lid to max open with broomstick. Then attach strut to upper ball and move lower angle fitting from 1-1/2" position forward toward vertical as far as it will go without compressing the strut. Take measurement and then see if trunk Lid will close from that position without bottoming the strut.
Thanks for your help
Rgds
David

 

David - the strut will not even reach the lower ball with the trunk fully up.


Doesn't reach lower ball post to socket

 

And even if I moved the bracket forward to the original holes, it still doesn't reach the socket. And when it was in the hanging straight down position, it would stop the trunk from closing. at about 12".

 

Meant to send this pic with last post.

Height at which trunk lid stops when piston fully compressed when piston straight up and down

 

"Okay. As I suspected I relocated the bracket back the whole 1 1/2" that the holes in the bracket are, and now the truck will close with that length piston. Now the center to center of each ball is 10 3/4" FULLY OPEN to its extreme. So... Not sure what length I need because each length piston is probably a bit different in its fully compressed state?"
Bill,
Since the trunk Lid will close with the Bracket at 1-1/2" aft of vertical. At the 1-1/2" angle position, can you lower the Lid to the point that the struts will fit on ***** and measure the 28-34" Lid opening height? Hopefully we can find a simple formula for positioning the bracket with and without carpet.
Thanks
Rgds
David

 

With the mounting bracket 1 1/2" back from vertical is the only way the provided strut will fully compress on closing without the piston bottoming out. Mounted that way, the trunk opening is 28". I would need a longer strut (by 1/2") to achieve the wider opening of 34".

 

Hi David
PM sent - Nigel

 

The pic is the measurement with the truck lid fully forced open from center of ball to center of ball with the bottom mooring one inch back.

Also, with the pistons installed (albeit with a lower full up position - not 34"), when I push down 12" and release it just stays there. The piston do no push it up at all. But nor do the springs without the piston. It just stays where ever you leave it.

 

 

Bill
At the one inch back attach point, did the trunk close without bottoming out the strut?
Also was the lid opening at least 31 inches? as you indicated stated it did not get to 34"?
Would you prefer if the trunk returned to full open when pushed down, or are you satisfied to have it stay where you place it?
Will look at a different length and strength struts. I think I will have to expand measurements points for potential Members prior to ordering kits, as no two cars seem to be the same.
Thanks Bill for the trail fitting.. Elinor's efforts were helpful as are yours.
We have had our first Christmas party and now Grand-kids are off to the other grand-parents for Traditional day of celebration.
Merry Christmas to All on Forum,
It has been an enjoyable year seeing what mischief these classic XJ6's get into, keeps us sharp, sorting them out together.
Rgds
David

 

David - No the pistons do not bottom out 1" back. And these pistons keep it at 31". I'm still thinking the ideal would be a 1/2" longer piston would do the 34". It would be acceptable to me if the pistons do not lift it up, not ideal, but certainly acceptable. What's IDEAL is that I don't keep hitting my head!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!! You guys and gals are my best Pen Pals.

 

For that you'll need the Hinge Extensions along with the struts.

As seen earlier in this thread, there's even room to reach in over the side is you want/need to.
My car took 10 inch gas struts, 10.5 bottomed out and the lid could not close. These keep the lid where I put it but will not lift it without help.
(';')

 

Okay - finally got the new 1100 struts installed and hanging straight down they are perfect. Pushes the trunk lid up by itself with me having to push it the final two inches to get to 33". I've attached a video I shot from inside the trunk to show what's happening with the pistons and a pic of the finished installation (before vacuuming out). It will be interesting to see David's solution with two pistons are being used on both sides. I see the pics he's provided. I am happy! Way to go David!!!

 

Trying Video again:

 

Yup! That's how mine works!
(';')

 

Availability Update
Machined parts for Hinge Extensions kits along with correct length and strength struts kits have been ordered and should be ready to ship 3rd week of January.
Thanks to Elinor's and Bill's pioneering installations, we have figured out the Spring Assist kit measurements for a wide range of 40 year old XJ6s conditions.
See market place under XJ6 parts exterior body for details on how to order.
If you have special circumstance or question, PM me for specific response.
Thank you for your interest
Rgds
David

 

XJ6 Boot/Trunk Hinge Extension Kits----Availability Update
Machined parts for Hinge Extensions kits, along with correct length and strength struts kits have been received and are ready to ship. First three kits with firm orders will go out this weekend. Three kits are unspoken for at this point, if you are interested, see Marketplace or send PM for detailed response to your specific XJ6 condition.
Thanks to all that participated
Rgds
David

 

Hi David, I am looking to get the trunk to open farther and stay open. Do you have any customers with a series 2 car or a coupe? If a measurement is needed for the strut length, let me know how to measure that. What is the cost for the extended opening hinges and do you provide any strut part numbers? I see two long rods under the back window shelf in the trunk cavity - are these involved in keeping the trunk open? Thanks, Brad

 

Brad I sent you a Forum private E-mail. So far we have 3 different measurements requiring different length gas struts. If you springs are average to weak then two 30 lbs struts will be needed. The Gas Struts do not interfere with OEM springs, early or late type, they just add an upward force to the Hinge Arm, raising Lid to OEM position, and have it stay there. The extended hinge kit will allow the boot lid to be manually opened another 50% and hold there.
Should take one person an afternoon to install both kits
Thank you,
Rgds
David

 

Thanks David. Looks like I have the standard 10.5 inch empty hole to the outer/upper hole of the OEM trunk bracket. The distance at max open from the empty hole to the carpeted ledge is also 10.5 inches if the carpet were not there. I have seen forum pictures with both upper and lower pistons on both sides of the trunk. Do all of your kits use the strut cylinders from the empty hole to the outer/upper hole of the OEM trunk bracket, or is there a strut plate with an offset parking notch? (earlier rendition?)

Also, if using a dual piston setup to the carpeted ledge, does the drivers side one interfere with the placement of the jack bag? In which case, is it possible to run only the passenger side piston? My trunk lid currently falls on it's own if only a foot open, but stays up if raised to near full open.
Thanks, Brad