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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: goutoe on February 28, 2016, 02:53:29 PM

Title: hood lift struts
Post by: goutoe on February 28, 2016, 02:53:29 PM
my hood lift struts have gotten weak barely holds the hood up, is there a brand that is best? last time I used monroe they lasted about 4 yrs. maybe Tom C  will chime in, he has a transit like mine? Thanks . >>> John.
Title: Re: hood lift struts
Post by: LuckyChow on February 28, 2016, 03:44:11 PM
John, if there's one better than the other one, I haven't found it yet.  Seems like I have to change one or two every year.  Just changed one of a side access panel yesterday.  I've gone to ordering mine  from the internet.  The local stores around here think they have gold plated pistons in 'em. 
Title: Re: hood lift struts
Post by: goutoe on February 28, 2016, 04:04:48 PM
Darryl I agree I haven't found any that last over two or three years, maybe I need to order them in bulk? I just get tired of the hood coming down while Im trying to check things out!>>> John.
Title: Re: hood lift struts
Post by: eagle19952 on February 28, 2016, 05:12:04 PM
These that were installed OEM on my 1978 model eagle are just now starting to diminish....

http://www.stabilus.com/ (http://www.stabilus.com/)
Title: Re: hood lift struts
Post by: Oonrahnjay on February 28, 2016, 06:35:33 PM
Quote from: eagle19952 on February 28, 2016, 05:12:04 PM
http://www.stabilus.com/ (http://www.stabilus.com/)

    To quote the website:

1972 - Production began in US
1994 - Production began in Mexico
2003 - Production began in Korea
2005 - Production began in China and Romania

    I greatly fear that the new ones will not be like the old ones ...   >:(
Title: Re: hood lift struts
Post by: TomC on February 29, 2016, 07:43:56 AM
Yes, I too have a '77 AMGeneral transit. When the fabric hinge tore, I replaced it with 4 shinny stainless door hinges by Stanley. Also, the opening support struts had gotten tired. I just went to Pep Boys (auto store) and they have catalogs of struts. I ordered the correct length and (I believe) 110lb rating. They were under $50 for the two. I use 2-garage door sliders with a hole drilled into the bumper to hold the door down and to lock it. If I'm parked in a questionable area, I'll go into the engine compartment and shut off the circuit breakers. Unless someone knows buses, they will not figure it out. This is because I never replaced the rotary switch on the dash-meaning, the start on the bus is still keyless. Good Luck, TomC
Title: Re: hood lift struts
Post by: Charles Seaton on March 01, 2016, 11:23:58 AM
SDM 5302 GM Fishbowl.  Over ten years and they are still good. Monroes.

- Seaton