This is probably on here somewhere already, but does anyone know if hood struts are available for our cars (and where you can find them) so you don't have to use the prop rod to hold up the hood?? Looking for something that would bolt on without any modifications. Thanks.
87-88 Thunderbirds and Cougars use counterbalanced hood springs mounted on the hinges. All you need to do is find a set of hood hinges from an 87-88 Thunderbird/Cougar and you'll be all set. The hinges bolt right in.
And for older cars without springs, you can add Mark VII spring brackets to your existing hinges. They just bolt on, no modification necessary.
I tried to do hood struts a long time ago and came to the conclusion that our cars are really not made to install those very easily...
Thanks for the feedback guys! I'll have to make a trip or two to the salvage yard. I appreciate the help!
Do you know if you can install the spring brackets without removing the hood?
Yes. They just bolt on.
(http://www.coolcats.net/eric/images/2003_conv06.jpg)
Great. Thanks. Nice looking engine bay!
If you can't find any, ill trade ya straight up for spring hinged off my 87 bird.