Why do cars still have hood prop rods?

"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee) 05/30/2016 at 11:42 • Filed to: None

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Like, gas struts (or coiled springs) have been standard on mid-high end cars for decades now, and it’s not like they’re even expensive or anything...

JEM > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:48

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I’ve often wondered this. I can only think that it’s got to be either (A) cheaper and (B) a packaging necessity. Either way I don’t think either is a valid excuse. If its a packaging thing, simply design a little better, it’s not like they take up that much space.

I’m probably the minority though, I’m sure most consumers would rather have leather seats than a hood that stays up on its own, whereas I’m completely the opposite.

Echo51 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:48

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Because those shitty ass struts always wear out and either just start binding, or not holding up shit. Always good with a true-and-tried backup for that.

My bird IS the word > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:49

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A: car companies don’t want you under there.

B: they cut corners in the worst goddamn places because

C: car companies are very dumb.

jkm7680 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:49

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More reliable, less chance of the strut failing and crushing you.

I always put vice grips right above the strut or whatever when I'm working on a car without a rod.

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:49

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The sound they make is worth it

PAOOOSSSSHHH

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Echo51 05/30/2016 at 11:50

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My 16 year old car still has its original hood struts.

Speed > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:51

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I miss the simple hinges and prop rod on my SN95 Mustangs. I HATE the old spring style set ups because they can get stubborn with age and not want to close in sync (like on my ‘80 Firebird). There’s nothing wrong with the struts like my ‘98 Camaro has, but I prefer the stupid simplicity of hinges and a prop.

What I like about hinges and props is their lack of pressure on the hood, which helps if you go with a lightweight aftermarket one.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > JEM 05/30/2016 at 11:55

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Hood prop gets in the way too. Struts give you more access

daender > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:55

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Because companies are less likely to get sued if a hood prop somehow fails versus a strut or spring (springs suck, imo).

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe 05/30/2016 at 11:56

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5-Speed Gangsta > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 11:56

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My e36 has them and I really wish it didn’t. I have already gone through 3 sets of them (OEM replacements) in less than 2 years of ownership and the groove that holds them on is stripped so they keep falling off.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > 5-Speed Gangsta 05/30/2016 at 11:58

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ur just opening the hood too much

PS9 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:02

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Why shouldn’t they? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Echo51 > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:02

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Impressive. Mine doesn’t, but if they’re just slightly similar to the boot lift struts i’m still gonna be bitter.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:05

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I think my car has gas struts for the trunk, too. They certainly aren’t the usual elbow hinges.

RedlineZ bought an SV (And is getting rid of the z) > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:10

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its a bmw he doesnt have a choice

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:12

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The EM Corvair really is a thing of beauty in it’s simplicity. Two bars that slide and catch in a notch. It works perfectly, is never going to wear out, and is as easy as gas struts.

Slant6 > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 05/30/2016 at 12:15

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But heavy.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:17

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Both my cobalt and Explorer have struts to hold the hood open and both are getting weaker. Got hit on the head a few weeks ago cause my Explorer decided to try and eat me when I was checking the oil

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Slant6 05/30/2016 at 12:23

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The hood maybe, the part and brackets are maybe a pound. Less than a pair of prop struts.they’re not solid, just folded metal.

qbeezy > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 12:31

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My car has them, and I get mad that I have to prop my wife’s up haha. There’s somethings that should be standard. But considering I saw a focus w/ Drum brakes last week, I don’t hold my breath about those things anymore!

hike > Slant6 05/30/2016 at 12:34

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Can’t be that heavy! My C4 Corvette has a strut (which is worn) which locks into place with a little button. Now that hood is heavy!

duurtlang > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 05/30/2016 at 12:35

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My Peugeot 205s have a similar system.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe 05/30/2016 at 12:46

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Is it though?

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe 05/30/2016 at 13:24

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And nothing is like opening a massive hood with them and feeling that huge chunk of metal lifting up effortlessly while it makes that noise. Mmm...

facw > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 13:29

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Same reasons many cars use gooseneck hinges on the trunk. It saves a little money, and people don’t notice when checking out the car at the dealer.

brianbrannon > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 13:30

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Honda gas struts are $100 a piece and wear out. Prop rod is ten bucks and lasts forever...

yamahog > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 14:38

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Even my crappy 92 Blazer has coils, who are these peasants with props?

for Michigan > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 05/30/2016 at 14:55

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My Fiero has that up front. It’s nice. The rear uses springs.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > brianbrannon 05/30/2016 at 15:51

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How the hell does your Honda strut cost 5x more than my BMW one?

NPM96 > brianbrannon 05/30/2016 at 18:17

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Honda also only puts gas struts on one model in their current lineup, the Accord (V6 only). Everything else is still good old prop rod.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/30/2016 at 21:46

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they tend to wear out. people with expensive cars don’t care. ( a lot never lift the hood). They especially wear out on ones mounted with a really low, which means they undergo higher stress due to having less leverage.

I’ve seen quite a few 911 928 with 1/4" dowels to hold hoods open.

brianbrannon > NPM96 05/31/2016 at 10:56

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Yes and the new ones aren't the ones that fail. Honda builds all the Acura cars and most of them have struts

brianbrannon > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/31/2016 at 10:59

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Because the Honda ones last 5x as long

Future next gen S2000 owner > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/31/2016 at 15:46

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Prop rods are the cheapest, easiest solution. Springs rust, gas struts go bad over time. Just because a design is on high end cars doesn’t mean it is better.

I had a 1965 Ford Galaxie with hood springs. Not a high end car.

Simple, elegant solutions are the best. Speaking of simple elegant solution, bring back whip antennas. They are way better than those stupid shark fin ones.