Safety Tip!

[Funracer]

Noticed a lot of guys lately posting new to the ZR1 and or C4. Been in my
engine bay a lot lately (see my other posts) and something happened
yesterday that reminded me of a safety issue that I had forgotten.

My son and I went to Bloomington Gold show around 1999 or so. Not sure of the year but it was just after it changed locale to a golf course outside Chicago.

There was a Z get together and we all parked together in a row just off the fairway on Friday evening and left the cars there over night. Next morning my son and I went out early to shiny up the car. It was quite windy with a lot of gusts. I put the hood up and began wiping down the engine bay while he began working on the wheels.

I have a mini bra on my Z. It protects just the front nose of the car and is
held on by straps that attach to various points under and around the car.
One of them had come loose under the front edge of the hood forward of the air cleaner cover. As the hood was up there was about a one inch gap
between the front of the hood and the front fender piece. I walked around to the front of the car and slipped my left hand into this 1 inch gap to try and reattach the bra strap (;) bet you did not see that coming).

Just then a gust of wind from the rear of the car lifted the hood like a sail
and unlatched it from the hold up bar. The hood began to fall and instantly trapped all my finger in the gap between the hood and fender. As the hood
closed further the pressure was incredible. I was sure it was going to break all the fingers on my left hand. In a panic I yelled for my son to grab
the hood. He ran forward and caught the hood about half way.

My fingers were all creased down to bone and hurt like heck:censored: but nothing broken. Not sure what would have happened if I were by myself.

Yesterday while bending over the motor my shoulder bumped into the hood
hold rod and unlocked it. It reminded me of why I should always do this when the hood is up:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/yellowLT1/IMAG0802_zps6cfea874.jpg

Later

[scottfab]

This tool works too.
http://zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=199&pictureid=2155

http://zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=199&pictureid=2156

[Racinfan83]

Good tip! (From one of the newbies..;))

[GOLDCYLON]

This tool works too.
http://zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=199&pictureid=2155

http://zr1.net/forum/picture.php?albumid=199&pictureid=2156


What size PVC is that Scott. Nice little Safety Mod!

[Mystic ZR-1]

Just the thought makes me cringe...

[scottfab]

What size PVC is that Scott. Nice little Safety Mod!

It's 3/4 schedule 40.
6in long overall
top part 2in
bottom part (long tab) is 4in x 3/4in.

I had the hood come down on my frigging head once.
I keep it right there in the cavity under the driver headlight.
It clips right in.
It was initially designed to slide up the shaft but tolerances
are off. If I loose it or break it I'll fasten the tab via pop rivets
to the outside of the 2in part. That would make it so it could
stay attached to the shaft and be slid into place when needed.

[DaveK]

The orange locking tab on my hood support has broken so that looks like a great safety addition Scott until I can replace it.

Thanks

Dave

[Fully Vetted]

Isn't that a gas pressurized rod? My hood won't close unless I pull it down. It took me a few minutes to figure it out. I moved the sleeve over and nothing happened. I had to pull pretty hard on it.

[scottfab]

Isn't that a gas pressurized rod? My hood won't close unless I pull it down. It took me a few minutes to figure it out. I moved the sleeve over and nothing happened. I had to pull pretty hard on it.

Mine holds up like that too. The "pull pretty hard" on it can be supplied by even a moderate breeze. Ask me how I know.

[GOLDCYLON]

Ive seen this as well. The surface area of the hood with the shape like a sail. I have seen the wind try to rip and rock the hood while in the up position.

[-=Jeff=-]

Scott, I like that.. might try making one this evening..

[Schrade]

HoLY cOW! YiKEs!

Didn't wreck the fender, did ya'?

[Funracer]

HoLY cOW! YiKEs!

Didn't wreck the fender, did ya'?

Ha No! Almost wrecked my fingers tho!

[scottfab]

Scott, I like that.. might try making one this evening..

Thanks. It's kind of a kludge but provides a sense of safety.
The key is to get the part to hug the shaft but not too hard
so it's easy to get off.

[WVZR-1]

If you're under there and know you're going to be there for a while there's absolutely no reason NOT to use the trusty old "broom stick". A vise grip attached to the prop-rod also works, but they're most frequently used on the heavy steel or aluminum hoods of the front opening variety. Working outdoors under any hood requires something - the small vise grip does real well and you likely already own one. You can wait until you wear out the broom to complete the hood prop section of your "specialty tools" collection.

OP - it was good that you mentioned it! Most DIY guys don't often get to see what the "line technician" does when he first sticks his head under the hood.

[Fully Vetted]

While that's an effective fix at home in your driveway I wouldn't want that or a broom stick holding open my hood at a car show where style points count. And that is definitely one place you would need something to insure your hood doesn't slam down on some unsuspecting oogler who's admiring your nicely PC'ed plenum.

I've "commissioned" a more permanent fix from Carter that'll be a little easier on the eyes for car shows and such that I should have with me at BG.

[WVZR-1]

While that's an effective fix at home in your driveway I wouldn't want that or a broom stick holding open my hood at a car show where style points count. And that is definitely one place you would need something to insure your hood doesn't slam down on some unsuspecting oogler who's admiring your nicely PC'ed plenum.

I've "commissioned" a more permanent fix from Carter that'll be a little easier on the eyes for car shows and such that I should have with me at BG.

You've "commissioned" - Interesting! I can't say that "easier on the eye" & Carter are synonymous.

[Bob Eyres]

Thanks for the tip. I've never had the problem, but that first shot of that screwdriver looks like an easy solution for the lazy, (me).

O.K. who's going to be the first to make one out of billet aluminum, (of course lined with soft rubber, "no scratches"), for just the right grip.
There will be an extra charge for the engraved ZR-1 logo of course. :rolleyes:

[WVZR-1]

A correct diameter "ferrite cylinder clamp" with a rubber insert will accomplish the task. Inexpensive and "BLING free" -

Here's one that surfaced quikley at 6.6mm diameter. Might be close.

http://www.mroelectronics.com/mro/img/p/5154-6516-large.jpg

[scottfab]

Im not at all sure that would work. I don't believe there is that much room "length wise) to put that on the polished surface and I know putting anything on it even if it did fit could adversely effect the seal that must slide over the marred and/or contaminated area.

The other alternative is to just rip out the shock/strut and use a branch from a nearby tree each time. It could be a "Green" solution.


A correct diameter "ferrite cylinder clamp" with a rubber insert will accomplish the task. Inexpensive and "BLING free" -

Here's one that surfaced quikley at 6.6mm diameter. Might be close.

http://www.mroelectronics.com/mro/img/p/5154-6516-large.jpg

[WVZR-1]

Im not at all sure that would work. I don't believe there is that much room "length wise) to put that on the polished surface and I know putting anything on it even if it did fit could adversely effect the seal that must slide over the marred and/or contaminated area.

The other alternative is to just rip out the shock/strut and use a branch from a nearby tree each time. It could be a "Green" solution.

I realized as soon as I hit the "submit" that the polished "piston rod" isn't exposed as is most lift support type mechanisms so it's NOT a go thing unless you have the "assist" supports at the hinges and then it could be. I believe the hinge assist cylinders likely have the exposed rod. That might be the better location for the device anyway if you have the assist cylinders. Nothing for the "bystander" to tamper with. Out of reach except to the "knowing"!

I'd likely be the tree branch guy!

[carter200]

I have the solution to the hood falling issue. It's visually appealing and can be carried in your pocket when NOT in use. See the Group Buy in the for sale section for details. Thanks........