hydraulic bonnet --(FIG)

old forum · hod rodder Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 15499

On my gem I have a bonnet vent on either side. They sit where the bonnet frame was (it was cut out about 30cm, and the rest of the frame has been strengthend up with extra welds). The only problem now is that if I use the standard bonnet support rod, which onlysupports the left side, then it will put extra pressure across the bonnet, and it will flex and warp the bonnet, or pop the vents out. I need something that will hold it from each side, so the weight is evenly distrbuted.

What I want to know is how easy is it to put some hydraulic support struts on the bonnet like alot of more modern cars have, and what sould I use to do it, and maybe the costs involved?

All replys greatly appreciated. Cheers.

old forum · hod rodder Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 15499

Forget hydralic struts I'd reinforce the bonnet with some RHS or angel of the appropiate size to fit between the bonnet skin and the frame thus strengthing the removed portion of bonnet frame. If you put struts in I'd say the bonnet would want to fold in half when ever you went to shut the bonnet.

old forum · hod rodder Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 15499

I have to agree with Anthony here, reinforcing the bonnet and gas struts are two totally different issues here, it would be frivolous to think you could fit gas struts to a bonnet too weak to support its own weight, reinforce the bonnet first, then think about gas struts.