Ibiza Mk4 Custom Gas Bonnet Lifters/Struts - Finally Finished!

[Pabs]

Been there and done that - didn't get anything close to the spec I wanted. But if you were to modify my designs slightly - you could easily get away with one around 10-20mm longer (keep bonnet opening at same OEM angle - mine is slightly lower) but force is the issue - most I found were weaker than my required calculations.

That said - I didn't need the full 400N each anyway...300N a piece might be ok, but it'll be more work if they are too weak.

 

[Damoegan]

If I do get something from a scrappy and it dont work then I aint realy going to lose anything. Then I'll get the ones you have

Could you tell me the distance from the threaded holt to the 8mm (closest) bolt hole please?

 

[cupra.al]

think i might have to try doing this too was thinking with shorter struts but then id have to make my own holes which i woudnt want to do.
also i think shorter struts would require more force.

 

[Pabs]

shorter struts would need bigger forces, and just don't seem to be available out there. You'd then need a bigger diameter strut which probably wouldn't fit in the grove in the underside of the bonnet.

Damo - can't give measurements at the moment mate - but as said will try and get my diagram scanned in.

 

[Damoegan]

No probs mate

 

[Pabs]

See post #2 for dimensions diagram mate - just nipped out to garage to find where I left it. lol.

Please note that some dimensions changed according to diagram - rather than angled section, it was cut off square (top) and the width is not 30mm - I had to use a mill and trim off approx 2mm from the inside edge (closest to engine) of the bracket as it very slightly fouled on the bonnet hinge which has a lip.

The m6 bolt hole for the ball-head screw is tapped and "locktited" - the 2 M8 holes (and additional 3rd M8 hole in N/S bracket) are not tapped.

 

[Pabs]

Oh - and at this point in time, I want to claim the award of "first ever hydraulic bonnet lifter for the mk4", but if that one is already taken - then add to the end "that doesn't require drilling/modifications"

 

[cupra.al]

Oh - and at this point in time, I want to claim the award of "first ever hydraulic bonnet lifter for the mk4", but if that one is already taken - then add to the end "that doesn't require drilling/modifications"

lol youve got to add the update to your readers ride thread to claim it.

 

[Damoegan]

Nice one mate. I'll knock up a few brackets when I'm back to work on Thursday

 

[Pabs]

lol youve got to add the update to your readers ride thread to claim it.

done and done my good man

 

[Pabs]

Nice one mate. I'll knock up a few brackets when I'm back to work on Thursday

See, had you done this months ago before I got a mk4, you could have claimed the title
But alas, I beat you to it - so hehe


I also accept no responsibility for damage to your car(s) or yourself if you decide to copy my ideas!

 

[Damoegan]

Credit where its due mate

 

[Pabs]

Good luck with the hunt at the scrappies - let me know how you get on!

Oh, and be warned about the bonnet hinge bolts - might be worth getting some a bit longer - suggest extra 3-4mm in length if possible. I was concerned about c*cking up the thread on one of my bolts, but managed to get it to catch in the end.

 

[Damoegan]

Getting the right bolts wont be a problem as I have any size/length/head in stainless at work

 

[Pabs]

sweet!
I've got some more stainless bolts here, but they're too long so I'd need to cut them down.
Plus they didn't really look OEM, so I didn't want to use them

Picky, huh? haha

 

[cupraajy]

Top work... keep it up!

 

[Aimez]

Well done wish I could have this but sounds too complicated for me! My cousin parked his mk1 Leon cupra next to mine and we both opened the bonnets only then I realised they have them standard can't see why even the ibiza cupra Seat didn't bother putting them in!

 

[Pabs]

thanks folks - if Damo gets the design replicated and working, no doubt he'll sell a few. All the hard work is done now - all you need to do is copy it!

It is one of those cost-cutting exercises - I don't think the Polo's came with them either.

Just a word of warning though - if you do get fixed force struts - you could end up bending your bonnet or breaking the hinges if they are too strong, or, from the other view - too weak and you'll have a bonnet wrapped around your head while you're working under it!

 

[RUM4MO]

thanks folks - if Damo gets the design replicated and working, no doubt he'll sell a few. All the hard work is done now - all you need to do is copy it!

It is one of those cost-cutting exercises - I don't think the Polo's came with them either.

Well the original 9N Polos came with them - I've a hunch that they may have been dumped by the time the face-lifted 9N3's came along - probably to save money.

 

[StokeyBen]

Great work, looks superb