This is one of those things that appears incredibly obvious once realized.
Still, if there's anyone out there that never saw this use, the following might
prove very helpful.
I had an '89 XJ-S that I picked up in 1995. Like any five year old XJ-S, the
bonnet was up bi-weekly. When I got it the gas strut supports were already
failed. $179 for factory replacements; $99 for after-market. When the
replaced ones failed in just six months, I relegated myself to a broom handle.
Then I saw a vice grip use at a local shop. I couldn't believe I hadn't seen
it before and hadn't thought of it. A vice grip clamped to the piston of the
gas strut at the receiving tube will hold the strut open indefinately. This
will also provide a safety for those struts that slowly fail and lower the
tailgate or hood on your head while you looking in the trunk or engine
compartment.
Bob Nersesian
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