Thank you so much for creating this video tutorial! I too will be replacing my own lift supports, as mine have been broken for like the past 3 years. Maybe even longer. Can't believe I've waited this long because it has been a nightmare holding up that glass door as it's really heavy and I've had some pretty narly things I've had to transport and hold that thing up in very awkward ways and it is just not safe. I'm so excited to do this little project. I also own a red C4 so this was a perfect video!!! Catch ya later.
Thanks for this video. I just places struts on my '91, they work great. Thanks again, keep up the good work. Turns out I had all the hardware I needed in my parts bin.
Good video as always Chris! I replaced my hood struts on my 05’ C6. I didn’t use OEM parts, and boy did I regret it. They came off pretty easy but when I closed the hood, it didn’t line up in front. Tried everything, no go. Made me nuts! Went and purchased OEM struts from GM and they worked perfectly. Cost was around $50.00 each with tax, but was well worth it in my opinion. Moral of the story; sometimes you have to use OEM parts and pay a little more if you want original quality. I’m happy now...😉
Well, I got two different part numbers from Rockauto (they were listed as left and right) and they had a slightly different length. And you can turn around those little connectors so I don't think it really matters.
I'm glad I found your channel, just about to do my rear struts and decided to watch your video even though I am sure it could be figured it out, because I watched I discovered I have two struts missing from my hood :) . FYI The part numbers would be helpful please.
Im new at this and old in age. This will save me a lot of grief. Didn't even notice lower struts. My hood froze up and I can't close it so I guess that's what I need. THANKS
I believe on that year there wasn't a little strut for the hood on the driver side even though there's a provision for it. I believe the later C4's even stopped using the little strut that you see on the passenger side. Just wondering since you didn't mention it. Did the little hood struts come with clips and the washer? Or did you have to pick something up from the auto parts store since you didn't have clips and washers from the driver side to reuse?
Good job!! That is interesting how the ends have that strange connector/end on them. I have not looked at the struts on my c6/c7. Wonder if they are similar to that!!
I have an 86 C4 and I'm going to do my rear hatch struts also. Never even thought about front struts, but mine has the hinge holder and not the gas charged strut like you have. Mine is also on the right side of the car. I wonder if I can swap it for a strut like you used? Either way, I'll replace the 2 small gas struts up front also. Thanks for a great vid!
I have to do both the hood and rear hatch for our 86. I'm hoping replacing the short struts for the hood will make it easier to lift it. We also have the scissor type for our hood on the passenger side.
Newer C5s have the hatch button just inside the driver door to the left of the steering wheel so much more accessible than you car it seems. I only have the gas door button in the center console.
Purchased all the parts. Did the rear hatch first and no problems. Went under the hood and was surprised to find no hood lift supports. By the looks it never had them. Everything clean and so scratches. Nice brackets but nothing to connect the struts to. Any ideas for the upper and lower part numbers for the pins so the supports can be connected to them. Feel they should have been there. Wonder if when car was assembled it was missed.
Not that it matters, since you don't have the defroster, but just out of curiosity since you mentioned the different part numbers for the rear struts; were the old ones on the wrong sides or did you accidentally put the new ones on the wrong sides? I noticed the electrical terminals you mentioned were on the inside on the old struts and on the outside on the new ones. Also, crazy how strong those little hood struts have to be to support that much weight being so close to the hinge! Super impressive!
do you have the part number for the hood support lifters, I will need the hardware as well, I just checked, someone must have stole mine, neither are present
Love your videos - been slowly working on my 85 as well so these have been helpful. Would you mind linking the products you are purchasing - I am thinking of replacing my rear glass shocks as well.
does the taller strut also help assist lifting the hood or does it solely hold the hood when the hoods open? I've never had a c4 with a new long arm so I always assumed it only holds the hood open but if it assists opening the heavy hood I'll order one asap lol
Ordered the hatch lift support struts. Re-watching your video it appears that you only released the retaining clips at the top of each old strut. After releasing from the top you just pulled the old strut off. Is this correct or did you release all four of the old clips. Thanks
Chris why did you not list the parts used by Rock A uto part numbers and manufacturers? Busted my butt at Rick Auto and found zio at your recommended prices.
Where would one purchase the pins at 1:54 in the video? I can’t seem to find those anywhere and I’m not even sure what size to look for. Your advice would be much appreciated, thank you!
Chris I have a 95 Convertible. The small lower hood struts are MIA !! It appears as though they were never there. The holes for the pins that would hold the struts are there, but the paint isn’t even scratched as though the pins might have been removed. That said, do we know if they were standard on the late model C4’s? I’ll check for the pins on Rock Auto but wondered if you or a subscriber might know. My C4 seems to be totally unmolested. 57xxx original miles!
88 and up does not have the small struts afaik. they have a different main strut with gas that does the work instead. So be sure to get the correct one of those/replace if weak:)
@@mycorvettelife If you have the part number it will be easy to search. I cant figure out what to call it or the size. If you have the part number it would be helpful. thanks
I have stock gas struts for my trunk the ball pen is attached to the gas struts I bought a new pair of gas struts and don't have the ball pin do you know what size your ball pens are for your gas struts for the trunk???
@@mycorvettelife my setup seems to be different I found a pair of gas struts at Corvette. Com they want $80 for the pair their pair of gas struts have the ball pin inside of the strut I'm trying not to pay so much for these simple gas struts someone advised me to refill the gas strut😳😳😳
I just got an 87’ C4 ,I’m about to send it to you so you can fix it up for me. Just send me the Bill when you’re done. Just kidding. Is you big strut in your hood compressed gas? Mine is different than yours. Mine just has a button in the middle you push in to let the hood come down.
This C4 is going to be like new when you get finished with it. Love the C4 content, keep it coming!
That's the plan!
I remember that hood being very heavy... Cool video...
Thank you so much for creating this video tutorial! I too will be replacing my own lift supports, as mine have been broken for like the past 3 years. Maybe even longer. Can't believe I've waited this long because it has been a nightmare holding up that glass door as it's really heavy and I've had some pretty narly things I've had to transport and hold that thing up in very awkward ways and it is just not safe. I'm so excited to do this little project. I also own a red C4 so this was a perfect video!!! Catch ya later.
Thanks. The comments about the little pin with the flat screw driver are greatly appreciated.
Thanks for this video. I just places struts on my '91, they work great. Thanks again, keep up the good work. Turns out I had all the hardware I needed in my parts bin.
Good video as always Chris!
I replaced my hood struts on my 05’ C6. I didn’t use OEM parts, and boy did I regret it. They came off pretty easy but when I closed the hood, it didn’t line up in front. Tried everything, no go. Made me nuts! Went and purchased OEM struts from GM and they worked perfectly. Cost was around $50.00 each with tax, but was well worth it in my opinion. Moral of the story; sometimes you have to use OEM parts and pay a little more if you want original quality. I’m happy now...😉
I’m glad you said the rear struts were 2 different part numbers. My local parts shop said they were the same and they didn’t work
Well, I got two different part numbers from Rockauto (they were listed as left and right) and they had a slightly different length. And you can turn around those little connectors so I don't think it really matters.
I'm glad I found your channel, just about to do my rear struts and decided to watch your video even though I am sure it could be figured it out, because I watched I discovered I have two struts missing from my hood :) . FYI The part numbers would be helpful please.
👍🏿👏🏿👏🏿👍🏿😁
I just placed my order on Amazon for my C4 Corvette 😎
This is perfect timing Chris ..lol..I was looking to do this on my C4 next....great video...😎👍🏾🔥💯
Glad I could help
Im new at this and old in age. This will save me a lot of grief. Didn't even notice lower struts. My hood froze up and I can't close it so I guess that's what I need. THANKS
I believe on that year there wasn't a little strut for the hood on the driver side even though there's a provision for it. I believe the later C4's even stopped using the little strut that you see on the passenger side.
Just wondering since you didn't mention it. Did the little hood struts come with clips and the washer? Or did you have to pick something up from the auto parts store since you didn't have clips and washers from the driver side to reuse?
They did not come with hardware.
Never knew the C4’s had so many hood struts!!
Good job!! That is interesting how the ends have that strange connector/end on them. I have not looked at the struts on my c6/c7. Wonder if they are similar to that!!
Good job 👍 I’ve been thinking about picking up a c4 to play around with and this will probably come in handy when I go thru the car.
Go for it!
Great videos!!
Glad you like them!
I have an 86 C4 and I'm going to do my rear hatch struts also. Never even thought about front struts, but mine has the hinge holder and not the gas charged strut like you have. Mine is also on the right side of the car. I wonder if I can swap it for a strut like you used? Either way, I'll replace the 2 small gas struts up front also. Thanks for a great vid!
Great video again. I had 3 of the c4. It’s too bad the c5 back glass doesn’t pop up like the c4. :D
😂 did mine yesterday morning !
I have to do both the hood and rear hatch for our 86. I'm hoping replacing the short struts for the hood will make it easier to lift it. We also have the scissor type for our hood on the passenger side.
Yep, it will!
Newer C5s have the hatch button just inside the driver door to the left of the steering wheel so much more accessible than you car it seems. I only have the gas door button in the center console.
Purchased all the parts. Did the rear hatch first and no problems. Went under the hood and was surprised to find no hood lift supports. By the looks it never had them. Everything clean and so scratches. Nice brackets but nothing to connect the struts to. Any ideas for the upper and lower part numbers for the pins so the supports can be connected to them. Feel they should have been there. Wonder if when car was assembled it was missed.
What year is your car? The early C4s had a hinge instead of the struts.
1993
Check with GM dealer and was told the 93 doesn't have the small hood lift supports. Just the one hood strut on the drivers side.
Not that it matters, since you don't have the defroster, but just out of curiosity since you mentioned the different part numbers for the rear struts; were the old ones on the wrong sides or did you accidentally put the new ones on the wrong sides? I noticed the electrical terminals you mentioned were on the inside on the old struts and on the outside on the new ones.
Also, crazy how strong those little hood struts have to be to support that much weight being so close to the hinge! Super impressive!
I believe someone used 2 right side struts when they were last replaced.
Do you know what the size of washers and clips are? My 1991 did not come with the assist struts but does have the mounting hardware.
I'd like to know that as well, also 1989 has monting, I want to order struts but together with washers and clips
do you have the part number for the hood support lifters, I will need the hardware as well, I just checked, someone must have stole mine, neither are present
Love your videos - been slowly working on my 85 as well so these have been helpful. Would you mind linking the products you are purchasing - I am thinking of replacing my rear glass shocks as well.
RockAuto won’t let you link to specific parts due to have their site works. It’s pretty easy to find stuff though.
does the taller strut also help assist lifting the hood or does it solely hold the hood when the hoods open? I've never had a c4 with a new long arm so I always assumed it only holds the hood open but if it assists opening the heavy hood I'll order one asap lol
The 2 small ones do 90% of the work.
Ordered the hatch lift support struts. Re-watching your video it appears that you only released the retaining
clips at the top of each old strut. After releasing from the top you just pulled the old strut off. Is this correct or did you release all four of the old clips. Thanks
Correct. You have enough leverage to pull them off with just the top released.
Chris why did you not list the parts used by Rock A uto part numbers and manufacturers? Busted my butt at Rick Auto and found zio at your recommended prices.
What brand are the rear hatch struts that you went with? Couldn't tell when they were laying on the table. Thanks.
Stabilus
Where would one purchase the pins at 1:54 in the video? I can’t seem to find those anywhere and I’m not even sure what size to look for. Your advice would be much appreciated, thank you!
Nice video. Do you happen to have the part numbers from Rockauto. Thanks in advance. GM wants around $55.00 each for rear hatch struts.
Not off hand. Just search Rock Auto under year make and model. It’s easy to find.
Chris
I have a 95 Convertible. The small lower hood struts are MIA !! It appears as though they were never there. The holes for the pins that would hold the struts are there, but the paint isn’t even scratched as though the pins might have been removed. That said, do we know if they were standard on the late model C4’s? I’ll check for the pins on Rock Auto but wondered if you or a subscriber might know. My C4 seems to be totally unmolested. 57xxx original miles!
I guarantee they should be there. They do 90% of the lifting work.
They are not there on the late model C4's, just the one large one. My '96 did not have them.
I wonder if they make a conversion kit? I’ll check. Just need the mounting pins and hardware.
My '92 does not have them, and I'm the original owner.
88 and up does not have the small struts afaik. they have a different main strut with gas that does the work instead. So be sure to get the correct one of those/replace if weak:)
Awesome video Chris. Do you know if the C5 hatch is suppose to pop up like the C4 on your video?
No, it just pops open and you have to open by hand.
If you didn't already realize, the passenger door also has a hatch release button on the door. Pretty sweet.
Correct
Do you expect to have a video on replacing the sunvisors?
Mine have already been replaced.
Can you put the link to these orders or the part numbers? Thanks Chris!
Search Rock Auto. I can’t link direct to parts from their website.
@@mycorvettelife If you have the part number it will be easy to search. I cant figure out what to call it or the size. If you have the part number it would be helpful. thanks
I kinda wish the c6 rear hatch popped open like that
My 85 Vette has a hinge style setup on the passenger side, can I convert it to a strut style on the drivers side? And what would I need to do that?
I’m not sure. You would need the ball joint mounting plates and probably drill and tap the hood. I’m not sure it would be worth the change.
@@mycorvettelife Thanks
Do you have the part number for the struts for rock auto? Unless I’m doing something wrong I keep looking it up and can’t find anything
Non-Z51? What year?
@@mycorvettelife 1990 zr1 please
I have stock gas struts for my trunk the ball pen is attached to the gas struts I bought a new pair of gas struts and don't have the ball pin do you know what size your ball pens are for your gas struts for the trunk???
The ball pen stays attached to the car.
@@mycorvettelife my setup seems to be different I found a pair of gas struts at Corvette. Com they want $80 for the pair their pair of gas struts have the ball pin inside of the strut I'm trying not to pay so much for these simple gas struts someone advised me to refill the gas strut😳😳😳
my c4 has 0 hopd struts and i use a sledgehammer to hold it up :/
I just got an 87’ C4 ,I’m about to send it to you so you can fix it up for me. Just send me the Bill when you’re done. Just kidding. Is you big strut in your hood compressed gas? Mine is different than yours. Mine just has a button in the middle you push in to let the hood come down.
Oh wow my shocks were bad the whole time my cars hood never went up on its own