Those fixed bump stops in the provided picture were replaced in early 2006 production in favor of the spring-style one. The spring style ones in conjunction with new-like gas struts will cause the clamshell to pop-up when released - providing access to the safety latches.
Clamshell Spring Stops/Openers
- Thread starter HighHP
- Start date
Those fixed bump stops in the provided picture were replaced in early 2006 production in favor of the spring-style one. The spring style ones in conjunction with new-like gas struts will cause the clamshell to pop-up when released - providing access to the safety latches.
PeteK
GT Owner
Are these still available from Ford? I have looked at the auction sites to no avail.
2112
Blue/white 06'
Any tricks on how to adjust the spring style? I replaced my failing gas struts with the new and very much improved version but now my clamshell won't latch with out shutting much harder than I like or having to press it down with my body weight (don't want to dent the clamshell) after a failed latching.
Only on the driver's side BTW.
.
Only on the driver's side BTW.
.
Seems odd that changing the lift struts would affect the latch alignment. However, you can unbolt the latch on the car and add thin shims under it to adjust the tension (with vernier accuracy) that you describe. You might mark the latch location prior to unbolting to assure proper alignment on re-install.
I don't slam mine shut. I gently close it and then firmly press on each side on the seam area to latch. With fine tuning latch adjustment, this works great.
I don't slam mine shut. I gently close it and then firmly press on each side on the seam area to latch. With fine tuning latch adjustment, this works great.
2112
Blue/white 06'
I think I was lucky and the velocity the clamshell attained when I let go of it 12-15 inches above the latch was enough to get a perfect latching.
The only change I made were the struts. And I love those. But the clamshell shuts much slower with them installed.
I will probably just do the press to latch thing for now.
.
The only change I made were the struts. And I love those. But the clamshell shuts much slower with them installed.
I will probably just do the press to latch thing for now.
.
Last edited:
I've seen a lot of clamshell closing techniques - and obviously each owner is entitled to use their own method. Wen an owner is here in the shop - I always offer to let them close the clamshell but most of them ask how we do it.
I will typically close the clamshell to a height of about 8-10" and then standing on the driver's side I will but my right hand above the safety hook on the driver's side and will reach over and put my left hand ~over the passenger side safety hook area and I will give it a FIRM slam. Seems to work every time.
I will typically close the clamshell to a height of about 8-10" and then standing on the driver's side I will but my right hand above the safety hook on the driver's side and will reach over and put my left hand ~over the passenger side safety hook area and I will give it a FIRM slam. Seems to work every time.
extrap
GT Owner
PeteK
GT Owner
Hah! Before I put the Cooltech spring struts on my clamshell, all I had to do was hold the clamshell about 18” up, and let it drop. Now I have to use nota4re’s “firm slam technique”
Shark01
GT Owner
Just replaced mine (05 style with the spring) with "brand new" ones from Ford. They both failed (crumbled) after the first drive.
One of the best mods I have in my car is the Gt guy clamshell lever which enables you to open it without having to go to the other side or reach across
Shark01
GT Owner
Mine have been on for 6 months, so far so good....there is no scratching (soft plastic).
2112
Blue/white 06'
2112
Blue/white 06'
GT Tech
Ford GT Team Alumni
I am working on replacements for the plastic piece that breaks on every one. Should have something in the pipeline soon. Have several out on cars for testing. Stay tuned