86 DD6 Bonnet struts needed

[PhilWwarner]

1986 Daimler Double Six has weak bonnet struts that will not hold bonnet up.  Does anyone know where to buy replacement struts or have the length specs to compare with those on line?  so far all I find are for 1980s Lincolns of various models.

 

And how the heck do you release the bottom of the struts?  I can barely see it down there and there appears no way to get something under the bottom clip from the top.  Can I just pry it off the ball without removing the clip?  I definitely do not want to break the ball stud.

[Jimbov8]

10 hours ago, PhilWwarner said:

1986 Daimler Double Six has weak bonnet struts that will not hold bonnet up.  Does anyone know where to buy replacement struts or have the length specs to compare with those on line?  so far all I find are for 1980s Lincolns of various models.

 

And how the heck do you release the bottom of the struts?  I can barely see it down there and there appears no way to get something under the bottom clip from the top.  Can I just pry it off the ball without removing the clip?  I definitely do not want to break the ball stud.

Here you go Phil; 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254906272263

[PhilWwarner]

9 hours ago, Jimbov8 said:

Here you go Phil; 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254906272263

Thanks for the link.  Unfortunately, it does not confirm these fit my DD6 as the compatible Daimler list does not go back before 1989 and if I select a 1986 Jaguar Sovereign V12 it says it does not fit.  I see struts listed for XJ40s and XJSs but didn't know if they take the same length as those on the DD6 which are about 14 inches long extended.

[N6 JMX]

I think the part number you require is JLM21457. Typing this into a search engine comes up with multiple hits, at least some of which claim to have the parts in stock, including British Parts, for £65.02 + VAT.

jaguar xj6 xj12 bonnet hood strut |British Parts UK 

Appreciate you are overseas, but most of these suppliers are familiar with delivering overseas.

N6 JMX

[Jimbov8]

2 hours ago, PhilWwarner said:

Thanks for the link.  Unfortunately, it does not confirm these fit my DD6 as the compatible Daimler list does not go back before 1989 and if I select a 1986 Jaguar Sovereign V12 it says it does not fit.  I see struts listed for XJ40s and XJSs but didn't know if they take the same length as those on the DD6 which are about 14 inches long extended.

If you’re in the EU these guys have them in stock; https://www.jaguar-shop.com/Bonnet-gas-strut-3

[PhilWwarner]

I made a tool by flattening the end of a welding rod and sharpening the flat to fit behind the bottom clip from the top to get the bottom of the strut off.  The struts are after market and have a sticker with 4453 printed on it.  They are 13 1/8 inches between the ball holes extended and 8 1/2 to 8 3/8 inches between them compressed.  I find a number of 13 inch gas struts on Amazon rated from 20 pounds to 65 pounds, so the remaining question is what was the rating of the original struts or what pound rating should I order to make sure the bonnet will not come down in the wind at car shows. The bonnet weighs 23 pounds at the rear edge when closed to 10 inches on a scale without struts and that edge is 45 inches from the strut ball studs so the struts would have to be stronger to help lift the bonnet at the front.