For those of you that aren't aware, it's been mentioned several times in the forum by other posters and also mentioned in the Factory Service Manual to put the Hood / Bonnet in Service Position for ease of repair and access. This requires removing the gas shock mounts from the hood and positioning it to the full 0 degree vertical position. This will give you ample room to move around and will not require you to navigate around the lower shock mounts.

Word of caution when doing this; you may need two people depending on how flexible or handy you are. You have to pry back the upper shock mount retainer spring with a flat head screwdriver and get it into position without dropping the hood on the disconnected shocks. I'm sure this could cause quite the dent if you're not careful. Once the shocks are detached you can put the hood into service position and put in the bolt. I back it up with a flange nut for added security on each site.

In my case, I went to the local hardware store and purchased two 10mm M10 x 1.25 bolts with appropriate flange nuts. Works great, gives extra room. Here are few pics with Craigslist Cat:

 

When I disconnected the first hood support strut, the hood wanted to come down, as the other strut wasn't strong enough to hold the hood up.
The solution is to ball up a moving blanket, which can be obtained at Harbor Freight for a few dollars, and place it on the back of the engine.
Let the hood sit on the blanket as necessary. The blanket then makes a good fender cover once the hood is secured in the service position.

 

Never found it a problem myself. Remove one shock. Remove the other one whilst holding the hood. As soon as its free move it back even more and it will practically hold itself there. I had a strong pencil sized paint brush I put that in there. I have also used a long screwdriver, that seems to work the best. If you use a nut you have to undo it, normally a two hand job. A screwdriver you simply pull it out and drop it on the floor.

Good idea about the blanket. I have used one in the past to rest the hood on. My struts are strong enough to hold the hood with just one. As you say though you can remove one. Lower the hood. Go around the other side and remove the other. No biggy

The photo below was during a clean up and repaint.

 

Frankc, friendly question: how in the world can you move to the other side to release it while holding the hood?

John

 

I love the hood’s vertical service position but never do it in the open, or in a strong breeze.

Designers had a great idea and the hinge bolts are absolutely 100/percent necessary for safety. I carry a spare set of bolts in my trunk/boot.

Release one one side strut. Put hood down and do the other side. With hood raised with one hand, put one side’s bolt in and then walk over and do other side’s bolt. Then secure with the bolt nuts.

Never do this in a breezy situation or bad uneven ground.

 

To quote myself "Good idea about the blanket. I have used one in the past to rest the hood on. My struts are strong enough to hold the hood with just one. As you say thoughyou can remove one. Lower the hood. Go around the other side and remove the other. No biggy "

Either that or I have very long arms.

 

Am I the only one who thinks the baby Jaguar in the background is way cool ?

Is that a new addition Scott?

 

I caught that right away as well, and wondered who was driving that one as well. I can't believe he didn't have it color matched to your XK8. ;-)

 

Haha good eye @rothwell , what else are you going to buy your daughter when its time for a Powerwheel. This one is actually just a tiny bit more than the typical "Corvette" Powerwheel so figured why not, she loves it!

 

Hehe. Great to see the youngster has the “bug” early.

Keep an an eye on the substandard driving habits though.. maybe ..... late braking....

 

Haha, will do! It’s funny, she sees me working on the Jags and wants to work on hers... I tell her that she actually has the newest one and it doesn’t need any work and my wife just shakes her head! Plant the seeds early!

 

As long as your arm span is greater than the width of the bonnet, it's easy.

 

I could not adopt the position and take the photo so I asked my girlfriend (I wish) to demonstrate my stretch position. Hook one foot over one side then remove the strut with the other hand. We call it the 'split the difference' position.

 

You can always set the hood down gently after removing one strut, then walk to the other side of the car, open the hood and remove the second strut...If the flexibility of your girlfriend or boyfriend (one has to be all inclusive) is lacking.

 

I have to write something here as the mods say my reply is too short.

 

I have a six foot armspread, I just undo one side, walk around holding with one hand.

When it’s in the service position, I may put a bungee cord from top to under the bumper. Put rags as a cushion not to mar paint.

 

great idea,i would hang mine by a sky hook [LOL] an overhead hook from shop roof. PS love the little red jag in the backround,steve.