Class Glass hood strut fix

[justbob]

Finally as promised, a month later.. is what I came up with for a fix on these hoods springing up in the rear. As most of us Class Glass owners know, these usually bow up in the center area. This is caused by the constant upward pressure caused by the hood struts, not so much because of part numbers or struts used, but because of utilizing the stock location. I found this set up the other day about four cars into the junkyard (Dodge section, go figure..) looking for a good prop rod to use. Looking at it, I immediately knew this was the fix! It exerts rearward pressure, not upward pressure.

I snatched the fender mount and old struts for mock up off the Intrepid (98-2004 style I think, my bad for not checking). The upper mounts are the same as ours, so no modding needed there. You will need to drill two holes for the lower mounts and slap a nut on the bottom. Measure 27 1/2" from the inside corner of the fender/header panel to the hole location, not any less, ask me how I know. I also included the Napa part# that I used for the final fit. Also as an added bonus, the hood will sit up a few inches higher for even easier access to the engine bay. The downward pressure is either exactly the same as the 4142's CG recommended or even a tad less, so no worries there.

This is assuming that it isn't too late for your hood to find it's original shape. Mine took two days in the sun without struts to settle.

Pics because it happened.

[Mr. Man]

I thought the fix was to get struts that had less pressure. Haggis posted a while back thats how he got Ladyhawkes to work.

[justbob]

I thought the fix was to get struts that had less pressure. Haggis posted a while back thats how he got Ladyhawkes to work.

Eric, that is a requirement with this hood and they give you the part numbers to address this. Problem with this is it only takes care of closing the hood. While the hood is down, the struts still exert pressures and the glass hood quickly changes shape and leaves a bow in the center that can reach about 5/8" higher than the fender depending on the heat it seems. My fix takes theirs a step further and directs all the pressure rearward into the hinge.

This was posted live, in real time.

[Haggis]

Eric, that is a requirement with this hood and they give you the part numbers to address this. Problem with this is it only takes care of closing the hood. While the hood is down, the struts still exert pressures and the glass hood quickly changes shape and leaves a bow in the center that can reach about 5/8" higher than the fender depending on the heat it seems. My fix takes theirs a step further and directs all the pressure rearward into the hinge.

This was posted live, in real time.

...and yes, Chris hood is bulging where the strut contacts the hood due to the pressure.

[CBT]

...Joe hears "bulging from pressure", breaks out Gimp suit and picks a safety word....

[Haggis]

...Joe hears "bulging from pressure", breaks out Gimp suit and picks a safety word...."Teddy bear."

***Fixed***

[guspech750]

Did someone say bulge?


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[TAKEDOWN]

Nice work Bob, you're always on the up and up!

[2,4shofast]

Thanks for the post Bob! Looks like I have another project to do, thanks for the info Sir!

[03sport007]

Looks Good