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Re: Bonnet prop length - gas charged unit

To: "Neil McAllister" <neil.mcallister@fvrl.bc.ca>,
Subject: Re: Bonnet prop length - gas charged unit
From: "Dave Terrick" <dterrick@pangea.ca>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 1998 17:35:13 -0600
Listers,

the most reasonable way to do the above conversion IMHO is by using a hood
unit from a similar weight and shape panel.  I would start at Big 3,  mid
size, early 90's.  Perhaps a Corvette unit?  Similar setup if I recall.

The attachments would need to be altered - either the base further back or
the top further forward... perhaps the latter with the attachment near the
headlight nacelle?  Such a placement would require high mechanical
leverage - much like what you'd get in opposing force from a Vette hood !!

My greatest concern would be the amount of force required to push the hood
down - this may lead to an entirely new "weak spot"  on the hood assembly -
who knows?

Also, for those of you who have read this far,  I have also had problems
with the prop on my GT6.  It is now set up so that the C channel end of the
affair bolts to the suspension tower on the outside.  The other end is
staggered OUT such that the small spacer ferrule is needed!  Believe me,
finding that ferrule on my parts car made all the difference!  Also of note,
this configuration DOES almost hit the firewall, and, this post is all from
memory of a month ago.  Try this configuration but DO NOT FORCE ANYTHING.  I
can;t remember the exact config. but one of them could push the arms into
the hood panel causing a 'speed bump'.

...many specific requests will warrant my brushing the snow off the cover
and looking (just call me lazy until then - I'm installing a new bathroom
sink at the moment)


-----Original Message-----
From: Neil McAllister <neil.mcallister@fvrl.bc.ca>
To: Bob Sykes <s1500@worldnet.att.net>
Cc: spitfires@Autox.Team.Net <spitfires@Autox.Team.Net>
Date: November 13, 1998 4:48 PM
Subject: Re: Bonnet prop length?


>Hi Bob,
>
>Thanks very much; your info. confirms that my top rod is too short by about
>2"; I suspect it broke at the bolt holes once upon a time and someone cut
it
>off and re-drilled it.  I've just ordered a new one from Vicky-Brit (Just
when
>I thought it was safe to bring out the Visa card!;-)).
>
>Cheers,
>
>Neil
>
>
>>The rod is curved, but using a straight line measurement, I'd
>>put it at 29.5" (13.25 + 16.25)".
>>
>>wrt "Gas Shocks" for Spitfire bonnets.
>>
>>This was covered in detail in the TSSC Courier magazine some
>>months ago.  The conversion used some gas shocks from a
>>contemporary (UK) hatchback car.  Some fabrications was
>>required and I don't recall the details, but could look
>>them up if there's sufficient interest.  They claimed it
>>worked well.
>>
>>
>>--
>>Bob Sykes
>>"The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would
>>perfect his work must first sharpen his tools."
>>--Confucius
>>
>


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