Not sure where this kit came from?

Is this acceptable? Is this really how they are supposed to work?

Thoughts?

i've done mine that way for 4 years now, no problems what-so-ever. that was before any kits ...

craig is selling a kit now, but his uses all nice and shiny brackets ...


here's my home-made solution, just two long bolts and a few nuts, nothing special. hasn't failed yet ...
Andy

I just did mine last weekend and they move around a bit at the point of opening or closing. I need to make a more rigid connection as that movement cant be good for the attachment point. Other than that it is fantastic.

I know Andy!! I was there when you did it..LOL

I think this is a Craig kit

Notice that your shocks were not strong enough to BEND the metal that typically holds the springs. This looks like SHIT now because of it. It cracked the paint and so forth.

The kit is nice with it's brackets and such.. but I think the struts are too strong for the application.


B

I had a set for a year and went back to springs. I found that the ones I had were fine once the hood was open about 1/2 way, but before the half open mark there was no tension so if you were not paying attention the hood "could" drop closed hard, which has happen before to the wife, hence gong back to springs.

I'm concerned that it will "work" the metal and break off sooner or later. This wouldnt be a big deal if you didnt have to open the hood to put gas in the car!


B

mine are generic 911 front hood shocks ...
Andy

that's how they all work.
for me, no big deal at all, took me all of 5 minutes to get used to.

i really like the fact that the hood now opens all the way and stays there!

no sagging, have to hold it open with one hand while pumping gas crap no more ...
Andy

Andy,

I had parted out a 84 Carrera and kept all the hood shocks from that car. Do you recall if you picked them out of our stash of parts at one of the shops?




B

Brad, before paint, I did this......Heavier than stock metal
Click to view attachment

I used two big washers to shore up the mount. No worries after that. Or, you could use a piece of flat iron. It aint a hard problem to fix, but I agree that it is not a desirable side effect of the installation/usage.

I have Craig's kit...You have to re-inforce the metal tabs or the metal works and will eventually bend off and break...

I've been meaning to send him a suggestion to lengthen the ball joint fitting threads and add reinforcing strips of some sort (in the kit) to sandwich the original spring bracket, but I have not done it...

2-OH!

Thanks Paul

I was'nt involved with the paint & body work on this tub, just the engine/electrical nightmare..LOL

I like the 2-OH non weld approach with capturing the spring hangers between two pieces of metal. The large washer suggested by Mike is similar in thought.

Craig.. you watching ?? listening??



B

yes, i recall. and no, not from your stash ...

i bought mine from EASY ...
Andy

I reinforced mine with a small piece of steel and an extra bolt. Works great.

00

Thanks Elllliot!!

B

I was trying to figure out what year you might have used. I dont like using non-stock wearable items that will need to be replaced over time. I would rather use factory Porsche parts.


B

no idea on the year, we just went through the big pile and picked two that were still working.

if i recall correctly, john said something to the effect that there are only two different types used on a 911 over the years ...
Andy

A metal tab similar to the one Elliot has is in the works. It appears in the pic that you provided Brad that the ball is at the furtherest back opening, it should be in the middle.
CLLINTHEDARK

Thanks Craig. We will move it up and fab some small brackets for support.

We also need to teach you how to make a nice downloadable .pdf for your customers with install pics!! ..



B

Stainless steel bolt on brackets similar to the ones Paul S welded on are very much in the works. I supplied Paul with new ball sockets so that he could fab the brackets that he welded in.
I would be happy to setup a better installation tutorial. Show me the way.
CCL

My car had no spring brackets since Bill P cut them off so I asked Craig for extra L brackets like the ones in his rear kit which he graciously supplied...

Cool. Let me know when they're available because I still can't get mine adjusted just right. I think in time it will break the stock bracket.

You write it and I can design and make it for you. Pictures and everything. Would be my pleasure since I do recognize the above named car

Stevo Did you move the shock to the other side of the lower fender bracket and to the middle slot?
Christopher, thank you for the offer. Let me get the additional brackets and I will get back to you then.
CCLIN ???

Yes Sir. It seems the right side is worse than the left, but they should be more rigid nonetheless. Overall, they rock. I think a better solution is necessary for the bottom mount. It hasn't been said yet, but I did have to open up the notch a bit to fit the bolt. It was only about 1/16" or so. I could see if it was much more it would contribute more to the problem.

I had the same trouble with my shocks. I got a piece of angle iron and drilled a hole to support the spring bracket.

Spoke

I'm puzzled (or clueless); why are you bothering with these struts? Even though this (factory) design is almost 37 years old now, on my '70, it still works fine. The design strikes me as simple, light-weight, unobtrusive and space efficient.

thats what I was thinkin...

The springs on my red 71 were stretched to the point where even on the furthest bracket setting, they won't hold up the trunk lid all the way. After hitting my head on the trunk lid when it dropped about 1 foot after opening, I bought the shock kit.

Spoke

sounds good. oh btw its my car in the first picture if that wasn't obvious. Just PM or email me the info when you get it

same here. the original springs were just worn out, even on the strongest setting, the hood would only stay open ~2/3 and the smallest bit of wind would make it flop around.

got the 911 hood shocks and never looked back. now it opens 100% and *stays* there!
Andy

Gee, how do you wear springs out? Am I not opening my hood often enough?

you need to ask that question to the (unknown) previous owners of my car ...

not all POs are created equal!
Andy

Trailer queens and concourse weenies need not apply..LOL

I like the fact that the hood opens ALL the way. I'm 6'1, putting gas in a lowered 914 SUCKS as I get older and the hood half hanging in my face is no fun.

They are not for everyone.


B

I also don't miss the creaky haunted house sounds the stock springs made when I opened the trunk. The gas station guy used to say it sounded like his attic stairs being pulled down!

I like my gas springs.......front and rear.