Front Hood Piston supports worn out

[Pomfritz]

My 95 Classic has a front hood where the batteries and leveling pumps are located. The hood is supported when open by two spring loaded rods that don't have any enough spring left to keep it open. The mfg is QMP Inc in Elkhart Indiana. Haven't heard back from them yet, but am looking at perhaps a gas rod replacement if they can't help. Where would you go to get new rods and what do you need to watch our for?

[wmarsha]

gas struts can be purchased from NAPA. You have to choose the following: 1)types of ends 2) open and closed length(s) 3) diameter 4) lifting capacity

Now, these things are usually marketed as replacement units for some original application. But, the mfg catalogs of the unit(s) will give the above info. The tricky part is knowing the weight of what you are lifting(try to use a scale to open said unit). The Diameter allows you to get a relatively shorter piston with relatively greater lifting capacity. Ie: if you need 20 lb lift, you may get it with a 12 inch 3/4 inch piston, or if that is too long, then a 1 inch piston 8 inches long. Now this example is just that-it has no factual info within.

What you have to watch for it the placement of the ends such that the piston collapses correctly and does not try to go "overcenter" when open. Such a condition will negate the ability to close correctly. Also the ends can be expensive, so look for the simplest method of attachment. good luck