I'm not sure where you live but I know when its cold in MI my hatch gas struts often just stop working. I want to make sure I can use the prop as a backup, you never know...

 

Thank you, this is now on my to-do list...

Anyone got a similar idea for my CJ??? LOL

 

Okay I do'ed it:

2 gas struts w/ hardware - $10.70
2 m8x1.25 nuts - $0.80
4 m8 lock washers - $0.56
36" x 1" x 1" x 1/8" angle iron - $7.48
Box of 1/2" self tappers - $4.98
Can of rattle red - $3.77

Total: $28.29









The prop still works and its kind of a PITA to close, but I can still do it one handed. The amount force needed to close it decreases the more it closes, so its not hard to get it to fully latch or anything.

Note: When I first looked to see if this would work and take measurements I missed a bracket on the passenger side. All I had to do was a drill a 1/2" hole to accommodate a nut but its just an fyi for anyone else considering this with a later model XJ.

 

dude that looks sharp. nice job!

 

Thanks!

 

Schmoozer,

I see that you have the ball studs on your hood pointed a different direction that what was shown in the last pic of the first post.
Does this make any difference? Did you use the same locations that the thread starter used?

This is a very popular mod with Mustangs. Since most of them like to show off there cars, they are using top dollar kits. It is very nice to see an affordable mod that works well!

 

Overkill, but cool if you think so.

 

Wearing a belt with your suspenders sounds like a good idea for your winters.

 

It may make a slight difference in the geometry of the whole thing but nothing noticeable, the head of the gas strut pivots 360* so it doesn't really matter.

No I did not, the gas struts I pulled from the JY were more stout than the OP's because I didn't take mine of off an XJ and I didn't want them to be undersized. After thinking about i probably should have gone smaller but instead of going back to the JY I figured I'd just make them work. So I mounted them further back to try and increas my moment arm. After I had the bottom brackets installed I propped the hood where I wanted it and marked for the top hinges. I also marked this spot with tape on the side to make sure when the hood was closed the gas strut wouldn't be past full compression.

Damn dude, thats harsh. I take it you've never had your hatch fall on your head.

 

Thats a first of I ever heard of about a cherokee. Good thread

 

Damn dude, thats harsh. I take it you've never had your hatch fall on your head.[/quote]


Actually, I have had one fall on me. Not my car, a customer's.

You misunderstood. I was agreeing with you that double safety is a good idea given your winter weather.

We had very high winds with gusts up to 50 MPH last week here. Clear air. I was working under the hood of my XJ. I was worried that a gust would catch the hood and knock it off the prop rod, therefore falling on my head and killing me.

I ran a rope from the top passenger side at an angle to the left front fenderwell. Put a little tension on it to hold it steady. Worked fine.

Safety first.