Really cool idea, I can't wait to try it on my Civic! They had been bad since I bought the car 2 years ago. ...and driving me nuts! I'm unemployed and really broke so this is a great thing!
Man you're a genius! the hood on our heavy equipment dumper kept falling down, only the hood was so heavy it could decapitate or break someone's neck if you had your head inside the engine when it came down, I did as you show here only out of galvinised steel pipe, but I did both struts & cut one pipe a small bit shorter than the other so if one fails the other wont, to drop just disengage the longer strut first, go to the other side disengage that & the hood comes down, go raibh mile maith agat
Going to do this to my neighbors truck now whether he likes it or not... He uses his bed divider tension bar to hold up his tonneau cover and it annoys the H3LL outta me when we load up to go fishing. Thanks bro, you are the man !!!!
This is awesome. Thank you so much. For sharing this fix. I used it on my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Works like a charm, and will save future head injuries : - )
You ALWAYS provide a good simple solid solutions, I've used dozens. I have NEVER Commented on anything (not Troll, maybe Lurker, but definitely trying to stay under the radar) , but you deserve any little RUclips "algorithm ' perk this comment will provide, thanks
I'm a mechanic and another option if people don't know is to use vise grips on the rod.I always hang a rag over them to get my attention before I try to close the hood with vise grips on. Awsum channel you got here
Clever fix. My Sorento hatch is starting to fall but the shocks still have a little push left in them. I was pricing replacement struts and really wasn't looking forward to $50 or $60 to replace them. But, I do have plenty of scrap PVC lying around. Thanks for the tip.
genius ,,thanks Pal ,hard to get parts for imported cars here in Argentina and when you can find them they cost double the USA prices ,so this kind of DIY fix is excellent for us ,,Thanks again .
Watched your video a years ago and thought that's a great idea! Today I made/installed one on my daughters mini van. It does the job and cost's WAY LESS!. Thanks for the tip
I just spent $44 on two new struts for our 2005 Prius but it's good to have your invention in mind in case these fail like yours did -- and for ones that weaken in the future. I've been wacked in the head a few times and it ain't pleasant. Thanks for sharing. The O-ring retainer is a great addition
Thanks man , did it on my hyundai and it works!!! Just be careful not to bump the strut when in use and knock the pvc out of position. An accidental bump could cause the hatch to fall...
Like the TVs you can't have your own chance you got to take what they give you The ink in the printer And now the struts At least we have a good guy which shows us how to save some money Thank you very much
Love your videos b/c of the quality. You sound very professional, easy step-by-step clear instructions, confident and very intelligent. Thanks for not cursing. Seen your videos on the boat....Awesome!!! I could never do a paint job like that. Going to use this tip for my F150 truck hood.
I just stumbled upon this video and it's the perfect solution for my mother's Saturn. Last time I was at her place I bonked myself stupid with her trunk. Thanks man.
Awesome video. I came here after seeing a link from briansmobile1. seeing this makes me want to give myself a dope slap for not thinking about it myself.
Thanks Darren. -Moe I watched your last video and you mentioned a youtuber vwdarrin finished up some body/paint work on the Vanagon. Then I get an email that a vwdarrin just subbed me. Sure enough theres the Vangon. Your parent must love it. VWDarrin seams like an awesome guy.
Very creative 65. Just happened to trip over your vid while looking for something else, brought a big smile to my face. Will have to check out your other ides.
When mine is cold it won't stay open. A prop is a good temporary fix and I appreciate the tip because that's what I'm gonna have to do until I come up with $50/pair for new gas filled lift shafts.
My Ford Expedition is this way and I only need it in the coldest winter months. The rest of the year it works fine and have had this trick on it nearly 10 years now.
The gate on my station wagon bashed me in the head pretty good last winter, I'm definitely getting some pvc for the struts now! You're a genius, thanks for the video!
+SuperKONR yeah, I got my head bashed too. It's a good motivator, but even the expensive new ones only lasted 6 or so years, I don't want to waste money on new ones.
Thats a brilliant fix :-) Gas struts allways die, my mate had a hatchback with the same problem. Thanks for that great idea, i will remember that. Often i just cant see a solution and i allways confuse myself with complex methods, simple common sense design allways wins :-) Thanks for that :-)
super nice job. I've been doing a similar solution for 1 1/2 years now. I just cut a slot in the pvc from top to bottom, and heated the ends to squeeze the ends down. But it is still a pain in the wazzoo to clip, and unclip it. But it works well. Your idea is much better. i cant wait to try it out on my trooper. THANKS. MUDDy
Needed this tip! Thanks! As much as the new ones cost, they are on the bottom of the list of priorities. After this I probably will never buy new ones!
I just made a video with almost the same title and someone put a link to your video in the comments. WHOA! That's a great idea- AND you've even got a red beard! That's awesome!!
I tried this on my 05 Hyundai Santa Fe, it worked well. I used a 3/4" EMT (electrical metal conduit), it is .81" inside diameter, my has shock is .76" outside diameter and it worked well. I didn't have an O-ring, so I used an elastic that the postmen throw on the ground by the mailbox. I removed the top ball joint clip (C band clip) with an ice pick and on re-assembly I slid (not easily) the clip over the end of the shock, from the top down into the slots. Thanks for the tips. I used to open the glass hatch window and it would shift the weight enough to keep the hatch door up, after 2 years, that didn't work anymore.
Terrific idea!!!! I have the problem - for years now - on my 1986 Chevy Sprint. Have been using the pole for probably 5 years... Just checked @ parts Train & for two new shocks, it would run over $50. I have the same issue with a Cadillac hood! Gonna do it with both cars! THanks
beautiful. After first refilling a hood strut with oil and throwing in the towel when faced with how to inject compressed air...then after lengthening the shaft of another hood strut and having the oil blow out the seal upon compression...I found your fix. Now the hood strut with it's lengthened shaft is holding up pvc.
Kevin Johnson Great. I'm glad you found the video. I've spent countless hours trying to repair these lift struts. It seams that once the main seal leaks, all is lost. I installed a tire valve into one and got it to work for a short while, but it ended up loosing all of it's air as well. I tried thick grease on the seal and it helped but not for long.
Nice hack. I've spent over a hundred replacing struts on a couple minivans when the kids where still at home. I was looking at spending another $48 for a set of Camry hood struts. I think I will try your fix instead. The slot+o-ring was very clever!
CoastalBBQ For the occasional hood opening these are great. Some hood struts are designed that you can't slip this pipe over. If yours is like this, just split the pipe all the way up and you can snap it around the strut. A little electric tape makes it look factory and keeps it from ever opening up again.
sixtyfiveford Good News....It works like a charm. Now I can get rid of that damn 2X4 I've been using, not to mention I saved 50 bucks which can go to something more important...."BEER". Thanks Again.
This works great, thank you very much for sharing it. I have the upside down hood struts on my 2004 Cadillac SRX and it works like a charm. For less than a quarter I have a solution that will outlast the vehicle.
Awesome yet simple fix, took me 10 min from start to finish on my caravan hood strut. Thanks mate, saved me heaps.👍
Awesome
Common sense and ingenuity go a long way! Thanks for leading the way.
We need more people like you on You Tube. Great idea..
James Spallinger Hey THANKS... I'm glad you like it.
Thanks, you will save me $50
Great idea; I fixed my RODEO in minutes, I spray painted the PVC in black to match the strut;
Thanks for the video :-)
kingneo195 That's great. The black paint will definitely make it look sharp.
That's awesome!
Used this on my Xterra today. $2 & some change from Home Depot. Saved me $42+ on new struts. Took ten minutes. Dude, again, Thanks a million.
shrinkdoc49 Awesome.
…Try $800 each for electric one
i KEPT watching videos looking for the easy fix.....and I found it....yours!!! I knew somebody was smart!! THANKS :-)
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
This proves my point that PVC pipe is the greatest invention known to mankind, followed real close by duct tape. Beautiful idea!
Really cool idea, I can't wait to try it on my Civic! They had been bad since I bought the car 2 years ago. ...and driving me nuts! I'm unemployed and really broke so this is a great thing!
Man you're a genius! the hood on our heavy equipment dumper kept falling down, only the hood was so heavy it could decapitate or break someone's neck if you had your head inside the engine when it came down, I did as you show here only out of galvinised steel pipe, but I did both struts & cut one pipe a small bit shorter than the other so if one fails the other wont, to drop just disengage the longer strut first, go to the other side disengage that & the hood comes down, go raibh mile maith agat
GREAT INFORMATION VIDEO. MY TYPE OF EASY REPAIR. THANX FROM A SENIOR CITIZEN!!!!!!
You're welcome. I'm glad you like the idea.
Going to do this to my neighbors truck now whether he likes it or not... He uses his bed divider tension bar to hold up his tonneau cover and it annoys the H3LL outta me when we load up to go fishing. Thanks bro, you are the man !!!!
Milton Davis Awesome. I'm glad you found the video.
This is awesome. Thank you so much. For sharing this fix. I used it on my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan. Works like a charm, and will save future head injuries : - )
Awesome, I'm glad it was useful.
This was such a life saving solution for my little crv hatch. Thank you SO much, you brilliant man, you.
Awesome, I'm glad you tried it out.
This guy's maniacal IQ is off the scale.
Hey - you're the guy I want to be lost in the woods with - very clever and beautiful in its simplicity.
I'm glad you like this. Thanks for watching.
You ALWAYS provide a good simple solid solutions, I've used dozens. I have NEVER Commented on anything
(not Troll, maybe Lurker, but definitely trying to stay under the radar) , but you deserve any little RUclips "algorithm ' perk this comment will provide, thanks
Best fix on youtube. Others have a split tube or PVC pipe that you can loose. This is perfect!! Great Life Hack!
+Mary K B Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Great solution to a common problem. Curtis Harrison told me about your idea after he'd seen my version on RUclips using scrap wood. Cheers, Andy.
Organikmechanic Hey Thanks.
I'm a mechanic and another option if people don't know is to use vise grips on the rod.I always hang a rag over them to get my attention before I try to close the hood with vise grips on. Awsum channel you got here
Thanks. It's annoying auto manufactures have gone away from spring hinges.
Thanks for sharing your video. You just saved me a bunch of money on my car, and I didn't even have to switch to Geico.
Clever fix. My Sorento hatch is starting to fall but the shocks still have a little push left in them. I was pricing replacement struts and really wasn't looking forward to $50 or $60 to replace them. But, I do have plenty of scrap PVC lying around. Thanks for the tip.
genius ,,thanks Pal ,hard to get parts for imported cars here in Argentina and when you can find them they cost double the USA prices ,so this kind of DIY fix is excellent for us ,,Thanks again .
Thanks.
Watched your video a years ago and thought that's a great idea! Today I made/installed one on my daughters mini van. It does the job and cost's WAY LESS!. Thanks for the tip
Great. I'm glad you used it.
Great idea on slitting the pvc and putting the O-ring through to hold it! Nice going!
Worked perfectly on my jeep grand cherokee. Thanks for the hack I was sick of using that stupid broom stick.
***** Awesome. I'm glad it helped.
I just spent $44 on two new struts for our 2005 Prius but it's good to have your invention in mind in case these fail like yours did -- and for ones that weaken in the future. I've been wacked in the head a few times and it ain't pleasant. Thanks for sharing. The O-ring retainer is a great addition
ChicagoJohn It's a handy thing to know, just in case. Thanks for watching.
You saved my head and pocket 😊. Thank you very much. God bless you.
Thanks man , did it on my hyundai and it works!!! Just be careful not to bump the strut when in use and knock the pvc out of position. An accidental bump could cause the hatch to fall...
ultra cheap, but very functional and elegant solution. thanks!
+zernestro Hey Thanks.
Like the TVs you can't have your own chance you got to take what they give you The ink in the printer And now the struts At least we have a good guy which shows us how to save some money Thank you very much
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
I got about two years on my replacement struts for my jeep. I'll be making one those this weekend. Great idea. Thanks for the video.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Thank you! Finally my husband can fix his Dodge Durango trunk door. For an old car...its not worth getting new shocks. Im glad I found this.
Lovely Leo Chic Awesome. I think he'll be very happy with this.
Love your videos b/c of the quality. You sound very professional, easy step-by-step clear instructions, confident and very intelligent. Thanks for not cursing. Seen your videos on the boat....Awesome!!! I could never do a paint job like that. Going to use this tip for my F150 truck hood.
sarhael Thanks. I had a fun time doing the boat. I just did this trick to the hood of a car the other day. The owner was amazed.
Worked perfectly for my hood. Many thanks for posting this video. Saved me from a lot of money and aggravation.
David Tanis GREAT.. I'm glad you found the video.
Thanks for the hack! My struts are starting to go. They aren't that expensive, but it's always nice to save a few dollars.
Deltadivaix Thanks.
Should have just done this in the first place!! Just replaced my struts and it STILL won't keep the gate lifted. Great idea dude.......
Hey Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Glad I could help.. Dual is a great idea when a hood is that heavy. Take care.
This is one of the cheapest but definitely one of the greatest ideas out there! Thanks alot!
Awesome, I'm glad you like it.
I just stumbled upon this video and it's the perfect solution for my mother's Saturn. Last time I was at her place I bonked myself stupid with her trunk. Thanks man.
Thanks, I'm glad you like it. I've done this to more hoods and tailgates than I can even count now. Sure beats a stick.
Finally someone posting useful & safe ideas on the net...
Brilliant and simple!!! I was about to spend $30 to get new struts for my old clunker. I am so glad you posted this!
Larry Welch Thanks. I'm glad you found the video.
That's just frickin amazing. I suffered a serious injury from a lift gate falling on me so I really like this one
Great Idea 65! This is what YT is all about. People helping people and not charging a dime for it.
Thanks... Glad you like it.
Yeah, that's what makes YT great.
Awesome video. I came here after seeing a link from briansmobile1.
seeing this makes me want to give myself a dope slap for not thinking about it myself.
Robert Oswalt Thanks for stopping by and watching.
Thanks Darren.
-Moe
I watched your last video and you mentioned a youtuber vwdarrin finished up some body/paint work on the Vanagon. Then I get an email that a vwdarrin just subbed me. Sure enough theres the Vangon. Your parent must love it. VWDarrin seams like an awesome guy.
Great Jury Rigger Idea...."O" ring takes it the next level!
Thanks.
Very creative 65. Just happened to trip over your vid while looking for something else, brought a big smile to my face. Will have to check out your other ides.
When mine is cold it won't stay open. A prop is a good temporary fix and I appreciate the tip because that's what I'm gonna have to do until I come up with $50/pair for new gas filled lift shafts.
My Ford Expedition is this way and I only need it in the coldest winter months. The rest of the year it works fine and have had this trick on it nearly 10 years now.
The gate on my station wagon bashed me in the head pretty good last winter, I'm definitely getting some pvc for the struts now! You're a genius, thanks for the video!
+SuperKONR Yeah, that's no fun.
+SuperKONR yeah, I got my head bashed too. It's a good motivator, but even the expensive new ones only lasted 6 or so years, I don't want to waste money on new ones.
Dude you are a freaking Genius. You're going to save me a lot of money
Thanks... Glad I could wow you.
Simple brilliance! You'd make MacGyver proud!
Thanks! I need this modification all over the place right now.
Thanks, it has come in very handy for a lot of vehicles.
That was a great idea, you just saved me 80 dollars. Thanks and God Bless
You're welcome. Glad it helped.
Brilliant, the definition of elegant solution
Why even the stick idea is brilliant....thank you.
I have no idea how to make that pipe : ))) I wish I did.
TFS. xo
Flipped the struts for my topper over and use a 3/4" piece of copper pipe. Cut it 1/2" shorter than the length of the strut rod. Thanks for the idea!
Sounds great!
Thats a brilliant fix :-)
Gas struts allways die, my mate had a hatchback with the same problem.
Thanks for that great idea, i will remember that.
Often i just cant see a solution and i allways confuse myself with complex methods, simple common sense design allways wins :-)
Thanks for that :-)
Thank you so much. Saved me $70!!! You’re the bomb.
super nice job. I've been doing a similar solution for 1 1/2 years now. I just cut a slot in the pvc from top to bottom, and heated the ends to squeeze the ends down. But it is still a pain in the wazzoo to clip, and unclip it. But it works well.
Your idea is much better. i cant wait to try it out on my trooper.
THANKS.
MUDDy
Good idea, just cut a slot the 1/16" less than exact width of the slimmest part of the strut then snap it on, should work?
All of my company work trucks do this!! I know what im doing at work tomorrow!! Thank you!
robbie schneider You're welcome. I'm glad you found the video.
Love it ! simple and effective fix. Just the job for VW camper tailgate strut
John Lafferty Hey Thanks.
Excellent wisdom with frugality of utmost concern.....thank you Sir!
Wellington Curtis Thanks.
Worked great on my dad’s tundra camper shell! Many thanks!
Awesome, I'm glad you tried it out.
Exactly the solution I need for my Saturn Vue SUV. Thanks very kindly!
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most brilliant. You should patent this soon. Thanks a bunch.
shrinkdoc49 Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
Thanks Bruce. Oh the old Pinto hatchback... That car would hold anything.
-Moe
Good idea. You solved the problem and help me stay under budget.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Man you come up with some of the coolest fixes.
scottsinfl Thanks Brother.
Needed this tip! Thanks! As much as the new ones cost, they are on the bottom of the list of priorities. After this I probably will never buy new ones!
That is REALLY a neat idea, so simple....yet so effective!
I've used this idea in the past minus the "O" ring trick, I like that.
***** Awesome. Yeah, the "O"ring is only seldom needed.
BRILLIANT!!! lol. I especially like the o-ring thing. Thanks
All this time I been keeping a long piece of pvc pipe to hold up my car boot.
Looks like it’s time to chop it down great idea 👍
Genius.
Simple.
Love it.
Thanx a million.
Keep up the good work.
Subscribed 👍🏼
The best idea I have seen so far... thank you.
Hey Thanks.
Please kind sir...Keep sharing your knowledge...Amazing...Thank you so very much...
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
sixtyfiveford You sir are a genius!
Struts for my 1990 Nissan Micra are only ~£20 but still, a big saving overall and quite a nice trick.
MattySP34Ks Hey thanks. Yeah, it's a handy trick for sure.
I just made a video with almost the same title and someone put a link to your video in the comments. WHOA! That's a great idea- AND you've even got a red beard! That's awesome!!
Thanks Brian. Beard Power.
Ginger Power!
Oh my God! You are a friggin genius! Thank you soooo much!
Thank you so much. I was getting ready to replace most of the shocks (about 12) on my RV.
Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
You just saved me a lot of money, you're a genius!
Anthony Russo Thanks, I'm glad the video helped.
That frees up my vice grips for other jobs Thanks
I wish I'd have seen this before I bought 2 new ones! Good info. 👍👍
Thanks for watching!
I tried this on my 05 Hyundai Santa Fe, it worked well. I used a 3/4" EMT (electrical metal conduit), it is .81" inside diameter, my has shock is .76" outside diameter and it worked well. I didn't have an O-ring, so I used an elastic that the postmen throw on the ground by the mailbox. I removed the top ball joint clip (C band clip) with an ice pick and on re-assembly I slid (not easily) the clip over the end of the shock, from the top down into the slots. Thanks for the tips. I used to open the glass hatch window and it would shift the weight enough to keep the hatch door up, after 2 years, that didn't work anymore.
Stefan Meyers Great, I'm glad you found the video. Nice creative work with the rubber band.
My head thanks you so much! And now I can use the stick that I keep forgetting to prop the trunk lid, for kindling wood.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks Mike, what a great idea. Was just about to buy new struts; will try your solution.
Let me know how it goes.
Terrific idea!!!! I have the problem - for years now - on my 1986 Chevy Sprint. Have been using the pole for probably 5 years... Just checked @ parts Train & for two new shocks, it would run over $50. I have the same issue with a Cadillac hood! Gonna do it with both cars! THanks
beautiful. After first refilling a hood strut with oil and throwing in the towel when faced with how to inject compressed air...then after lengthening the shaft of another hood strut and having the oil blow out the seal upon compression...I found your fix. Now the hood strut with it's lengthened shaft is holding up pvc.
Kevin Johnson Great. I'm glad you found the video. I've spent countless hours trying to repair these lift struts. It seams that once the main seal leaks, all is lost. I installed a tire valve into one and got it to work for a short while, but it ended up loosing all of it's air as well. I tried thick grease on the seal and it helped but not for long.
Another great idea! This will last for ever! Thanks
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
Nice hack. I've spent over a hundred replacing struts on a couple minivans when the kids where still at home. I was looking at spending another $48 for a set of Camry hood struts. I think I will try your fix instead. The slot+o-ring was very clever!
CoastalBBQ For the occasional hood opening these are great. Some hood struts are designed that you can't slip this pipe over. If yours is like this, just split the pipe all the way up and you can snap it around the strut. A little electric tape makes it look factory and keeps it from ever opening up again.
You're a thinking man. Loving your videos bro.
Hey, Thanks. Glad you're watching.
no words, brilliant brain work. thank you very much indeed.
Thanks. I'm glad you like it.
gREAT sOLUTION SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE...GOOD WORK
+Gary Usher Hey Thanks.
THANKS!
I have a 97 Cherokee and I will be trying this for damn sure.
RonnieSixx Awesome. I hope it helps. It definitely better than a prop stick.
sixtyfiveford Good News....It works like a charm.
Now I can get rid of that damn 2X4 I've been using, not to mention I saved 50 bucks which can go to something more important...."BEER".
Thanks Again.
Great Idea. Mine has just started dropping down but is under warranty but I’ll bear it in mind for future and tell others
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Perfect! Worked on my Toyota highlander and took me about 5 minutes. Thanks a lot.
That's great, I'm glad you tried it out.
Thanks 65, this might just make pvc one of man`s most useful tools LOL. Right next to a hammer, wire coat hanger and vice grips.
1fanger Oh Yeah.
brilliant! I wish I had found your channel sooner!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
I'm glad it will help.Let me know how it goes. .
Awesome! Am going to dumpshop to scrounge some pipe. Nice work dude
Atawhai Teaukura Hey Thanks.
This works great, thank you very much for sharing it. I have the upside down hood struts on my 2004 Cadillac SRX and it works like a charm. For less than a quarter I have a solution that will outlast the vehicle.
James Scherer awesome