'91 Hood strut

[larrym]

I recently purchased a '91 Convertible, and the hood is HEAVY! The support tube doesn't provide any assist lifting it, is it supposed to? As is I lift it, the inner tube moves to the side and holds it up. When closing I have to center it and lower it carefully. Just doesn't seem right it's to physically demanding to open the hood! :confused

 

[jmhorn52]

I have a 96 and that's the way it works on mine, but the hood doesnt seem that heavy

 

[DarbyOhara]

I recently purchased a '91 Convertible, and the hood is HEAVY! The support tube doesn't provide any assist lifting it, is it supposed to? As is I lift it, the inner tube moves to the side and holds it up. When closing I have to center it and lower it carefully. Just doesn't seem right it's to physically demanding to open the hood! :confused

I have a 87 Vette Coupe and my hood isn't the easiest to open either. I think that is normal. Are you sure the struts on your Vette didn't get damaged or bent? Maybe some WD40 on the struts might help. I know I have to apply some strength to open and alot to close, so it doesn't slam too hard. Sorry I can't be of more help but I think the C4 weren't the best for the engine hood technology...

 

[WhalePirot]

The hood prop is what you refer to and yours sounds normal in function. It is way better than the early C4 scissors prop.

There are two small gas strut assists near the radiator that help some with the initial lift. They lose there charge, hence the ability to help.

Yes, lots of SMC is heavy but a carbon hood will lighten your wallet plenty, too.

 

[vetteoz]

There are two small gas strut assists near the radiator that help some with the initial lift.
They lose there charge,

Best $25 you will ever spend.

New Set of 2 Support Strut Prop Rod Hood Supports Cheverolet Corvette 1984 1988 | eBay

Late cars with the gas main strut had only one small assist strut.
Install 2 ( the mounts are already there ) and you will have to hold the hood down

Corvette Forum - View Single Post - Hood gas? struts

 

[larrym]

Looks like that's the nature of the beast, I assumed the support rod was gas charged, mine being worn out.

vetteoz - Those gas charged struts would be ideal, except mine is a '91.

Thanks for the replies!

 

[vetteoz]

Those gas charged struts would be ideal, except mine is a '91.

As I already noted,
only one assist strut is installed on your car but the other side has the mounts ready to fit a 2nd unit.
Listing is for 84 - 88 because they had TWO struts from the factory ; however the assist struts are all the same.

The year to year differences are in the main support ; locking scissors type , a locking strut or in your case a gas strut