Curious, has anyone installed hood prop rods?

[alia176]

I know this is going backwards, but the old fashioned prop rods just work. I wanted to replace my hood struts, AGAIN, and didn't want to spend that coin again. Forget about buying OEM struts as they're the best with a long life but the cost is stupid. I have a set from Quality Gas Struts and Gas Springs | Lift Supports Depot now and the hood is now slowly falling down due to colder morning temps at my place. Maybe their house brand is crap compared to Stabilus or Strongarm brands?

I'll still keep the struts but was thinking about using a prop rod like the one in my daughter's 3rd gen. I can just go to U pull n pay and grab one from a random vehicle but was curious if someone already went this route.

 

[MikeinNH67]

I haven't heard of anyone doing it, never had an issue with mine. If you have a 3rd gen you can sit next to yours then that will give you ideas on placement and if there's an easy way to do it. So many prop rods to pick from in a junk yard. Share when you figure something out.

 

[AuSeeker]

I know this is going backwards, but the old fashioned prop rods just work. I wanted to replace my hood struts, AGAIN, and didn't want to spend that coin again. Forget about buying OEM struts as they're the best with a long life but the cost is stupid. I have a set from Quality Gas Struts and Gas Springs | Lift Supports Depot now and the hood is now slowly falling down due to colder morning temps at my place. Maybe their house brand is crap compared to Stabilus or Strongarm brands?

I'll still keep the struts but was thinking about using a prop rod like the one in my daughter's 3rd gen. I can just go to U pull n pay and grab one from a random vehicle but was curious if someone already went this route.

I haven't heard of it being done either but I'm interested in what you end up doing, somebody has to be the first, LOL.

I have a wooden stick I'm using for a prop stick, been meaning to get new struts but haven't seen any that last like the OEM struts and I'm a do it once kind of guy whenever possible.

 

[Hungryhawk]

I have placed and repaired old fashion hood rods in chevy, dodge & honda vehicles.
A small 2 screw eye strap attached with metal self tapping screws to a side of frame above radiator. A length of metal rod with DIY eye loop formed and loose thru the eye strap . Also bend a double offset at top of rod where the rod can securely connect to a hole in underside of hood.
Align everything so it fits and when down & lays flat under hood on the vehicle frame. If a sturdy clip cannot be located to hold the rod in place you can get a reusable cable tie mount to keep that rod loose end from flopping around after hood closed.
Of course salvage is easier if you can find a workable takeoff.

 

[Buckaroo]

Installed a Strongarm #6228 from Rockauto 11/20 which is still holding up. At the time, it was $45 delivered.

 

[T4R2014]

Tbh, best luck I've had is with the China specials for hood struts on my 80. Strongarm has been a disappointment every time I used them

 

[AuSeeker]

Installed a Strongarm #6228 from Rockauto 11/20 which is still holding up. At the time, it was $45 delivered.

Was that cost for a pair?

Rockauto now seems to only sell the #6228s as singles for $14.28 + shipping

 

[Buckaroo]

Was that cost for a pair?

Rockauto now seems to only sell the #6228s as singles for $14.28 + shipping

Yes, it was for a pair. Unit cost was $18.15 + shipping & tax.

 

[riceandpho]

I used these clamps when my tailgate strut failed. didn't really need them, bt very useful when switch out parts.

Pack-2 Car Hood Prop Rod Tool Struts Clamp, Vehicle Support Rod Retainer, Universal Snap-on Anti-Pinch Automotive Suppor Accessories
https://a.co/d/0sfno4l

 

[alia176]

This is good stuff, thank you fellas! I was looking at this the other day and noticed that the large plastic piece that lives over the radiator will need to be dealt with for a prop rod.

It's interesting how one of you had good things to say about Strongarm, while the next comment down hates them.

 

[firefoxed]

Been using these for six years now with no issues, have considered picking up the hood clamps posted above just in case they are ever needed.

https://a.co/d/0iJwwhE