Dumb Questions

[michael mars]

Ok. There are two small shock absorber type things located on the front of the hood of my 1986 c-4. Are these suppose to assist in lifting & closing the hood?

 

[RedRagTop]

Welcome. Are you saying that there is no pressure either way when you raise the clamshell?

 

[JonM]

Ok. There are two small shock absorber type things located on the front of the hood of my 1986 c-4. Are these suppose to assist in lifting & closing the hood?

Yes...replace them and you will see a noticeable difference closing and opening the clam. You can get them at a local parts store such as PepBoys cheaper then Mid America and alike.

 

[RedRagTop]

The 88 has a type of lock to hold up the hood without pressure on the piston. This is a simple set-up that allows you to slide the top piston cover over the lip on the bottom one, holding it up. To release, you just manually move the cover over so that it lines up again and the hood will close. I'm not sure what year these types came out but it may well have been the 88. If so, these would be a good choice for a replacement.

 

[michael mars]

Dumb Question part 2

Yes...replace them and you will see a noticeable difference closing and opening the clam. You can get them at a local parts store such as PepBoys cheaper then Mid America and alike.

OK, Thanks for that info. (everybody) But could you tell me,
Is there a techinical name for clam shocks.

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

OK, Thanks for that info. (everybody) But could you tell me,
Is there a techinical name for clam shocks.

They're called hood support struts. Some parts guys call them hood shocks. Some replacements are marketed under the name "StrongArm". Either way, any knowledgeable parts man can figure it out. Good parts men are hard to find at Pep Boys, or any of the "discount" chains"...so know that going in.

And btw.. the only "dumb" question is the one you don't ask!

 

[ProEMTPFF]

This must be a aftermerket item on your '86. Mine does not have these. Anyone know where I can get them and how easy they are to install??

 

[c4cruiser]

The various Corvette accessory catalogs have a retrofit kit to install the later single gas pressurized prop rod in the earlier cars. I think 84 and 85 cars uses a scissors-type arrangement to hold the hood in place. My 87 has a prop rod that locks the hood in place and two of the small gas struts near the hood hinges. NAPA carries the small struts and they are under $10 each.

 

[I_R_DA_ONE]

Michael
These hood asist struts came on my 86 but mine is a late in the year model....without them it almost takes two people to open my hood....Mine needs to be replaced..
I have learned that I can go to the passengers side and it makes it easier to open the clam shell.....

good luck....as we are all learning...
Mike