Our 1947-54 strut kit replaces the factory hood spring on an Advance Design truck with a pair of gas struts. The hood then lifts easily and holds itself open, with no prop rod. The kit bolts on with two brackets per side, and the only drilling is two holes in the hood edge. First, note the warning below about the newer 5″ bracket. Then follow the measurements in the steps, not the ones in the older video.
Tools you will need
- Drill with a 1/4″ bit
- Tape measure and a marker
- Sockets and wrenches for the factory spring bolt
1947-54 hood struts install steps
- First, drill the hood bracket holes. The 5″ hood bracket requires (2) 1/4″ holes drilled in the hood edge for mounting. The first mounting hole should be 5.75″ forward of the rear hood bumper rubber.
- Drill the second hole. The second hole is 5″ on center from the first hole, toward the front of the truck. The firewall bracket bolts directly to the factory spring bolt location using the supplied hardware.
- Finally, mount the ball stud. Mount the ball stud on the outside of the firewall bracket so the strut mounts on the fender side of the bracket. Refer to the product photos above.
The Hood Strut Kits are designed for factory hoods and haven’t been tested with aftermarket or fiberglass hoods — strut strength may be too much or not enough on a non-stock hood. Adjustment of the hinges and latch may be required depending on your prior setup, and if you didn’t previously have a factory-style spring on the hood, expect to re-adjust and align the hood after install.
1947-54 hood struts installation video
Watch the install video on YouTube if you want it full screen. Remember that the video shows the older bracket, so the measurements above take priority. The billet bracket upgrade uses the same positions. If you are fitting your own gas springs elsewhere on the truck, our gas spring calculator sizes them.
Hood struts are a common first upgrade on an Advance Design truck. Bead rolled firewalls, billet door handles and the 3100 steering wheel are in our 47-54 truck parts collection.
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