DeTomaso Mailing List: May 1997, Message #24
     



From: "Ted A. Mitchell" <tmitch@gte.net>

Subject: Re: decklid shocks

Date: Thu, 1 May 1997 11:20:46 -0700



Dave,



I manufacture the coil spring type lift.  I designed them for the very

problem you have (I also have a Delta wing).  Heavier gas pressure shocks

will ruin the hinges on your car because they increase in pressure as the

deck lid is closed (it has nothing to do with the speed).  I have even seen

the standard pressure shocks cause damage.  I guarantee that you will be

sorry if you go to stronger pressure gas shocks.



The only disadvantage to the coil spring lifts are that you have to drill

two new holes in your wheel well to engine compartment a few inches back

from the original lower mounts, and by design you have to lift part of the

weight of your deck lid until it is almost open.  These lifts actually

exert less pressure on the hinges in the closed position than the stock gas

shock, and yet will hold a stock or Delta wing lid up.  (They are $250)



I ran into a Pantera two years ago in Vegas that used a mechanical lift

that catches in the open position like the older Corvette hood.  These can

be obtained cheap at any Trailer Supply (for holding Camper shell rear

hatches open). I tried this, but in raising my deck lid further up to

unlatch them, after a while I pulled out the stock upper brackets.  They

weren't designed to hold against a pulling force.  If you were careful,

they might work.



Sorry for the ad guys.  I wouldn't do this on the list, but somebody asked,

and the reasons are important to everybody.



Ted (Vader) Mitchell

http://home1.gte.net/tmitch/pe.htm     tmitch@gte.net

----------

> From: Rcerex@aol.com

> To: detomaso@wgate.com

> Subject: decklid shocks

> Date: Wednesday, April 30, 1997 11:53 PM

>

> Hi All,

>      I need to replace my decklid shocks(supports), as the stock ones

will

> not hold the decklid up because of the Delta wing. I heard that certain

> "heavy duty" supports will crack the decklid,  could this be caused by

not

> limiting the decklid speed as it opens?(which could be rectified by

> moderating the speed with your hand on the lid).

> Also,  at the Vegas show,  I noticed a pair of coil spring type decklid

> supports. Are these a good alternative as well?-Dave Lee