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The lift supports I used are off a 95-96 Grand Marquee and looking online they show to have a pressure charge of 120 lbs. I know that may seem like a lot but the hood closes with the normal feel. Opens and close with little effort and did I say SWEET!!!

nice post with good information, who knows I may use one of those set ups on my ol junk, thanx for the detailed write up!

Anyone looked at the trunk struts? I know Buick uses them and I assume the rest of GM vehicles use them as well, they are generally much shorter than many of the hatch struts and could be tucked away better. The also usually attach to the hinge itself.

2018 Update:

My how time flies since I posted about coming up with a design for opening and closing H-Body front opening hoods. I have since begun making videos of my progress on the Pontiac. I prefer videos now because with the invention of camera phones with HD resolution and the ease of instant uploading to my YouTube channel simply works better for me. I have a ton of pics I have taken thinking I would post them and never did because the process was cumbersome and most time I couldn't remember what pics went with what project after time passed. So... this the future now and here is the video link for this updated thread. BTW, please subscribe to my New YouTube Channel by clicking on the red "subscribe" button.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP-V6ZYhJ0E

It doesn't seem like seven years has past but it has. Since this post I have swapped in a 3800 Supercharged motor into the Astre SJ. For the curios, I have included a link to my Project Journal which also discusses the Gas Charged struts and the reason I'm bringing this old thread back to life.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=39854&start=105

that is so cool!! well done!!!

Does anyone know where to get those custom hood hinges or factory ones?

Hmmm...
I suppose you're inquiring about the bolt on hood hinges? The best bet is post in the parts "wanted" section of this forum and eventually some will turn up. They are not as rare as you might think.