Alternative boot lit stays

Post by **paulhumphries** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 1:13 pm

I've just come back from shopping.
My arms were full of bags and I realised I need two hands to shut the boot lid - one to hold lid and other to release the little catch on the stay.
I've had cars in the past with auto latching stays - you lift and it lock then lift again and it inlocks. My 1979 MG Midget had this type but I'm not sure if one would be long enough.

Has anyone ever come across an alternative stay that fits without modification ?

Thanks.

Paul Humphries.

Post by **Welung666** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 1:16 pm

What about a gas strut? They are available in loads of different lengths and the cup and ball fittings are threaded so simply a case of bolting in or adding a nut. Just turn the handle and the boot lid opens on it's own.

Post by **picky** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 2:28 pm

ive just fitted a gas strut that I got on ebay from a rover 200 - for £2!! the one I have is a little too long so Ive had to make a new bracket to hold the lower end a bit lower down in the boot. If you found one that was the same length as the old type then it would be quite easy to fit.

Post by **LouiseM** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 2:32 pm

Or the Birmingham Morris Minor Centre sells them for around £30 if you want to buy new

Post by **rayofleamington** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 9:20 pm

the advantage of being tall: lift the bootlid with your shoulder before flicking the boot stay release. I've always managed it one handed, although on some cars this can lead to getting a rust patch on your coat shoulder

Post by **Onne** » Sun Feb 11, 2007 11:31 pm

Yes, that is why I tend to use my head to rest the bootlid on

Post by **Rasputin** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 3:51 pm

Nice to rest it on something solid!!!

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 4:41 pm

Yes, that is why I tend to use my head to rest the bootlid on

Why cant you use a brolly like everone else

Post by **Onne** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:31 pm

because I already had two hands full of shopping!

Post by **mal** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:37 pm

Hey..... never mind fella's talking about shopping....that's what women are for

( runs & ducks )

Mal

Post by **Onne** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:38 pm

Even single men need to eat though

Post by **mal** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:40 pm

Hey Onne... get a wife, you can't be happy all your life you know

Mal