badass951

First of all, I know the shocks are the right size, because when I compare them to the old one I took out they are the same length. Secondly, I started from the passenger side and tried to install them from the top first and from the bottom first. Nothing will work because the shocks are too powerful to compress when in position under the hood - and if you do not compress them they will not fit without cracking the windshield. I know this should be easy, so does anyone have any simple solutions?

Chris_924s

Install the Bottom first- The top should have a c-clip that slips over the pivot point. once the top mates to the shock.

TMH

Badass951,

Do be careful with your installation. I too thought that this would be a no-brainer... and ended up needing to replace my windshield. Some choice words were muttered after that incident.

I would recommend placing some sort of padding at the corners of the hood while replacing the shocks- The driver's side corner is what did me in.

I agree with Chris to install bottom-first. As I recall I grabbed the base of the pivot end of the shock with vice grips (over a rag so I didn't mar the pivot) and forced (compressed) the shaft down until I could fit it into place on the hood. Then with my third hand I put the pin in to hold it in place, followed with the c-clip over the end of the pin. Then complain loudly and proceed to the other side.

Good luck,
Tom

badass951

I have tried this. When the bottom is in, the top is too far above the point where it is supposed to clip in. This is why I need to compress it a little to fit it in, however like I said, it is too strong to compress.

Perry 951

Go pump some iron!!!

Serious, have someone hold the hood up. Grab the lock pin in one hand, and with the other, compress the strut. (tip: angle the strut so you are pushing in, not down) Slowly guide it into place as it comes back up, inserting the pin as it gets into position.

That is the only way I have been able to do it, and I have removed my hood 5 or 6 times. The trick is to push in with your weight, not down with your arms. Once it is compressed, it is not too hard to hold it in place.

Chris_924s

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Perry 951:
<strong>Go pump some iron!!!

Serious, have someone hold the hood up. Grab the lock pin in one hand, and with the other, compress the strut. (tip: angle the strut so you are pushing in, not down) Slowly guide it into place as it comes back up, inserting the pin as it gets into position.

That is the only way I have been able to do it, and I have removed my hood 5 or 6 times. The trick is to push in with your weight, not down with your arms. Once it is compressed, it is not too hard to hold it in place.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Dead on. It (the strut) looks to big, have someone hold the hood up to almost fully up.. and wrangle that sucker in. It looks too long, but it's ok.

EDIT-- I thought it was impossible too the first time I did it. very frustrating. I thought about it- had a beer and came back an hour later (Ok, Ok, It was 2 0r 3 beers.. LOL!)re-read the instructions, had someone else hold the hood up and it just kinda fell together.. Look at someone else's hood if you removed both prior to installing the new ones..It's easier if you take a quick digital pic or 9 before you start.. I re-did my speedo gear tonite and the fresh references were priceless!!
Good Luck!

OC Porsche

It's a pain in the butt, but try some of this product, it worked great for me:

<img src="http://media.abcnews.com/media/Science/images/illo_popeye990409.gif" alt=" - " />

Hans

Did them last week, left the good old broom stick in place, while the battery was out:
- The battery side: top (hood conn)first, used an lever to lift the strut and "banged" the end over the ball on the body. Battery was out so there was space, Could do this one on my own.
- Drivers side: bottom end first, then grab the body with both hands and put my full weight on it, while a helper inserted the pin at the right time.
Took 2 attemts to get this synchronised.
Could not use the lever trick since the central electric board is in the way.
I think it helps if you exercise the shocks a bit before installing.
PS-1: no chance on damage of the screen on mine, the hood does not touch the glass in full open position, had this checked on forehand.
PS-2: force rating of the strut should be 27 kg (I used 30 kg to extend its life cycle).
TakeCare
EDIT:
Dont forget to insert the little pins that lock the ***** after you're done!!
TakeCare

MHT

whatever you do, do not try to force the hood up far enough to put the shock in without compressing it, you will crack the windshield. I inatall the top first and then secure an aluminum and brass clamp to the shaft of the shock and compress it, at this point the bottom mount just clips on with very little effort, no need to line things up or hold it steady while you install the pin. The clamp is sold by most of the tool companies to hold up hoods when the shocks are bad, most mechanics probably have one, perhaps you could install your shocks in the parking lot of your service station and borrow/rent one for a couple of minutes.

Bret 944

I had a friend help me, we put the bottom in first, then stuck the top in one of the grooves in the hood, and used the weight of the hood to compress the shock. From there, he just held the shock down, I lifted the hood back up, lined it up and inserted the pin. Only took one attempt!!

Bret

badass951

Looks like I just need another person to help. Thanks everyone for the advice.

I think this goes along with the other post, "What are you supposed to be doing while on Rennlist?" <img border="0" alt="[typing]" title="" src="graemlins/yltype.gif" /> Apparently I should be eating a massive can of spinach

Glenn N

I just did my 87 924S hood shocks by myself. I used the hood as a lever to push the shocks down and then lifted it back up quickly and snaped the top over the pin. The shocks don't "spring" back fast. The back ones were what scared me I hate tweeking on glass!

Mighty Shilling

Yeah. I've got a hood shock to put into place too. Drivers side. the hood is off completely so that I think will make it easier. and I am looking to get a new windsheild... mine is REALLY pitted, but no cracks. I'll use the same advice that you are giving. either have a friend help or use the weight of the hood to compress the shock then slide it into position. but hey. no more hood closing in wind at the track.