Silly question, but what is the proper way to remove the bonnet struts? I've destroyed many electrical and other connectors over the years that could have been avoided had I asked someone the procedure. Thanks.

 

From memory,,,, lol, I still haven't replaced mine since this incredible journey began - damn - like 2yrs ago now,,,, there will be bolts, 13 or 14mm on the inner rail of the engine bay where they attach. Then second, at the hood where the struts attach. There, take a small screwdriver, pry up the little tab/clip which will release the ball joint underneath... Careful observation during your procedure will tell you which to remove, first, engine bay rail,,, or hood attachment points... That's all I got.

 

Thanks. I just want to remove one end so I can raise the bonnet straight up. I want to get the area cleaned up for a coming show.

 

Ummmm,,, you won't be able to put the bonnet in the straight up position only removing one strut... Be careful,,, putting the hood straight up and down can crack or damage the grill

 

Hi RickE

I had the same problem, as I wanted to stand the Bonnet/Hood almost Vertical up on end so that I could clean the Engine and also work on it

So what I did to start with was to take the weight of the Bonnet/Hood in its normal open position with a Soft Bolster or you could use Cushions, then carefully undo the Bonnet/Hood Struts each end with a Spanner and take them off

Then I tied the Bonnet/Hood up in the Air being careful not to damage the Grill and sometimes if I was working outside, then I would tie the Bonnet/Hood almost vertical up to a Tree

But then I had an even better idea! and made a Set of Bonnet/Hood Struts of exactly the right length for working on the Car, out of some perforated Metal Strip, which you can buy from any Building Suppliers and also made them Quick release by using 'R' Clips

This took all the guesswork out of holding the Bonnet/Hood up in the Air almost Vertical and because my Homemade Struts were so Strong, there was Zero Chance of having the Bonnet/Hood Crashing down, as these Maintenance Struts I made were NON Telescopic

They were also very easy to make, you can see how I made these on Page: 98 of my 'Cherry Blossom' restoration thread

Making a Set of Maintenance Struts to hold the Bonnet/Hood (almost) Vertically up in the Air (Very, Very, easy to make from ready made materials from a Builders Supply Shop)

 

The grill comes off with just 5 small screws, very easy to remove. I removed mine, unhooked the struts via the end clip and used 2 pieces of pipe to hold the hood open. Worked amazingly.

 

 

Thanks everyone. I especially like the idea of making pieces to hold the bonnet upright. Also good to know to protect the bumper.