boot prop

[BDA]

Has anybody installed a boot prop like the one in my attachment? I got a pair of these from Banks a long time ago but I never installed them. It looks like when the boot is down, the prop lies on the part of the body work inside the drain channel, but it seems to be too tall and my boot doesn't want to close easily in that position so now I think it needs to be offset toward the inside so it can retract lower - inside the inner part of the drain channel. Also, how did you attach it to the drain channel. It looks like it requires a strip of steel with bolt shanks welded to it because a bolt head would likely get in the way.

Does anybody have any suggestions?

[EuropaTC]

I tried a couple of those stays a year or so ago in an attempt to do away with the bent wire thing across the boot. I didn't like the idea of bolting it to the rear deck channel so made two plates which bolted to the engine/wheel arch bodywork inside the engine bay.  I also found a lot of experimentation was required to hit the sweet spot for opening/closing and must have spent two or three days messing with them.

When I got them something like working I found they would rattle when closed, which really pleased me.      And so in the end I gave up and went back to simple 1/4" rod supports, but this time mounted across the luggage tray on the engine side so they aren't so much on show.

If you want that sort of mod, then I think a pair of low load modern hatchback struts on a framework under the lid would be better. You still have the problem of siting them of course, but it's a more elegant approach.

Brian

[BDA]

 Thanks Brian. I have thought about gas struts and wished I had done them when the car was all apart. r.d. Has a strut kit but it seem a little spendy, but I assume all the futzing around has been done for you and all you have to do is bolt them in - maybe worth the price. I'm not sure I'd be able to hear them rattle with my engine but I'll keep that in mind.

Clearly something I need to think more about...

[3929R]

Do you have quick release pins on the lid hinges? If I'm doing anything more than taking a quick peak at the engine, I remove my lid. I think the gas strut set up might make removal cumbersome.

[BDA]

Nope. I haven't changed my hinges. It is pretty rare that I feel the need to take the boot off. I am tired of depending on the trunk being installed to have a prop for the boot, though. Maybe some day I'll have the trunk normally installed rather than normally taking up space and in the way in the garage!

[Grumblebuns]

I'm seriously thinking of installing the gas strut lift kit but do not want to pay the $400 plus that RD enterprises is asking. This may be a cheaper DIY solution.

http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/body/struts/hoodproject.html
http://lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/ahines/exterior.html

Joji Tokumoto
Fallbrook, Ca
 

[BDA]

Thanks for the links! I had seen them, but I don't think I had saved them, but I was thinking that it would be easier before the car was finished. I'll give it a closer look. I was hoping to get a solution that didn't require welding since I don't know how

I believe I saw some new Europas back in the day with struts but they're not in the parts book. Maybe I was mistaken...

[4129R]

Gas struts, like the ones sold by Banks, were fitted to the late 1974/5 built TCS.

[Europaforever]

Hi,

I have used split pins in the hinges, just remove the lid then when necessary (like I neede to when I fitted the cross
linkage between the engine and firewall, that was a nice job   rgds Mark

[cal44]

One of the prior owners installed a strut lift kit on the Europa I have.  Works perfect.   But, if the didn't already have the kit I would do the removable pin in the hinges like Marks.   And, for the quick peek under the lid.........a portable expandable rod to hold it up.   Hot rodders use them a bunch.   Looks like a straight walking cane without the handle and rubber tips at each end.

mike