Hood falling when opened...

[1MEANSNAKE]

Im having a problem when i open the hood forward on my 97GTS that it will not stay in the up position.

My question is, Can we just replace the spring tensionors on these and is the dealer our only option?

What has everyone done with their slipping hoods?

I know we can get a prop, but im not too crazy about that idea.

Thanks for your input in advance! If you have found them cheap or have a new set, please let us know and where.

 

[GTSPOWERED]

I have the same problem. I read that the replacement springs will do the same thing so I gust prop up the hood.
If there is a better way I also would like to know.

Patrick Mathias.

 

[Viper Wizard]

Hi Mike,
The springs for your hood get weak over time because they live in a HOT environment.

Right Hinge W/Spring #4709074 MSRP $88.75
Left Hinge W/Spring #4709075 MSRP $88.75
[VCA discount -20% & FREE ship]
I'm a phone call away.

 

[GraphiteGTS]

Sometimes when guys lube the springs they will no longer hold the hood up. If you have done this, try removing the lubricant.

 

[superdavz]

My 96 does the same thing. I think I will get the new springs.

 

[Gerald]

Listen to Tator, I was living with that for over 2 years. I just bought the springs from Tators and it's like a new hood..

G

 

[LethalBite]

Anyone powdercoat these or treat them some other way so they don't rust up?

 

[Neil - UK]

I had a new set fitted under warranty about 12 months ago, but even this set isn't up to the job, and looks like failing soon and I rarely have the hood up. The gen2 springs are complete garbage another design failure, unlike the gen1 which last forever

 

[Bob D]

Looks like a good excuse to go for a carbon fiber hood !

 

[2kviper]

how hard are they to install?

 

[AviP]

It's a 2 person job because that hood is big and clumsy to handle. Otherwise it's a relatively simple task.

-Avi

 

[Ron]

Hood spring swap out can be accomplished solo. You will need to remove the airbox in order to have easy access. Just remember to prop the hood open and not to knock the prop out while changing the springs.

Unfortunately, new springs hardly improve the situation. Swapped out two sets after I mistakenly lubed the original springs. Has never been the same since. Weak design.

 

[Jerry Dobson]

There are actually two sets of springs. One to bring the hood up on initial release. They other holds the hood open.

I too have replaced my springs. It did help and it stays open for the most part but is not much better than the first set. I still use a prop rod for safety.

I have seen some Vipers that can open their hood halfway and it stays rock right there.

 

[pdmracing]

I had a problem on my 97 with the springs rusting up & I couldnt open the hood, shot some lithium grease in there & got the hood open, but now it wont stay up

 

[FE 065]

I had a problem on my 97 with the springs rusting up & I couldnt open the hood, shot some lithium grease in there & got the hood open, but now it wont stay up

Keep hitting the hinges with gumout...

 

[Andrew2KRT10]

CHuck:
What's considered old? My hood drops, but I've been using an old shower rod. Could I get a pair of springs under warranty?

Andrew

 

[1MEANSNAKE]

Thanks for all of the informative comments everyone, seems like we need to shed a few pounds out of the hood and then get new springs to have a functional hood. Too bad no one has heavier duty springs for us.

 

[pdmracing]

I had a problem on my 97 with the springs rusting up & I couldnt open the hood, shot some lithium grease in there & got the hood open, but now it wont stay up

Keep hitting the hinges with gumout...

I give it a try, thanks

 

[9 seconds]

Sometimes when guys lube the springs they will no longer hold the hood up. If you have done this, try removing the lubricant.

Exactly what I did. Get the lube off.

 

[Ron Hickey]

The springs on the hood on my 97 GTS were weak, and although the hood would stay up by itself, any slight gust of wind would cause it to fall. In contrast, the springs on my 01 GTS' hood are stiff and have no trouble holding up the hood in a gentle breeze.

Snake Oyl (and others) sell a telescoping prop rod which, although a little pricey, does a nice job, especially for car shows.

 

[George Murray]

I use Jimmy Hoffa's cane as a prop rod.