Blaster DIY - gas spring hood lift kit

[96superjet]

Blaster peeps,

Plan on making my own gas spring hood lift kit. I've determined the 20" expanded and 12" compressed (8" travel) gas springs are what I need, but I haven't figured out what compression weight to choose. Options are 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90 & 120Lbs.

I was thinking two 20Lbs gas springs would be appropriate. Thoughts? Also, if you install two 20Lbs gas springs do you really have 40Lbs of holding force (is it additive)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DAG]

Each spring will share approximately half the weight. The only time this is not the case is if you stack the springs on top of each other but that's kinda hard to do with a gas strut

 

[a1965gt]

Yes combined (side by side) you will have a total of 40 lbs of lifting force. What size you need isnt just dependant on the weight of the hood but also the mounting locations and angle at which they operate.
Your best bet is to start with the 20's (save the reciept) return and exchange for stronger springs if necessary.
Or brush up on your trigonomety skills and design it on paper first. I created a hood strut design for some industrial equipment about 20 years ago...

 

[jetx]

I used a single 85lb strut on mine and it worked fine...I don't think two 20's will be enough

 

[newbee]

Yeah I used two larger ones on mine also. I liked using two to balance everything out vs one

 

[dlsderoo]

What did you guys come up with for a weight for a single shock 80 lbs???

 

[Desk_jockey]

I used a single 20 inch 60 lb strut. I went with a stainless model and stainless brackets. It works flawlessly.

 

[dlsderoo]

Where did you mount that lower bracket or how far away from the front ? Also you only used one strut? Do you have a link to that piston and brackets?

 

[Desk_jockey]

Where did you mount that lower bracket or how far away from the front ? Also you only used one strut?

Yes, one strut. I can take some better pictures and measurements tonight if you would like. The only picture I have with me right now is this one where you can just see the lower mount.

 

[Desk_jockey]

The strut and brackets are from ebay. You can get the strut in stainless or regular.

This is the part number for the stainless strut:
Brand:Nitro-Prop Strut and Spring
Part Number:NP-SS-2000-60-6 814css

I used 2 of the same stainless brackets. Part number:
Brand:Nitro-Prop Strut and Spring
Product Type:Gas Spring Strut Shock Mount Bracket 10mm Ball
Manufacturer Part Number:AB-10-OSS 800bss

 

[saary]

Hello dear

Yes, one strut. I can take some better pictures and measurements tonight if you would like. The only picture I have with me right now is this one where you can just see the lower mount.
View attachment 354674

Hello dear.
Would you please provide me with the measurements if you still have the boat . I just received the same strut you have.
Thank you.