www.jec.org.uk

I've just read the "You & your XJS HAYNES" book by Nigel Thorley. Very good reading I think. Bonnet struts are mentioned in this book and this is one thing I would like to get fixed on my 1982 HE. The book says;

"However, much later in the car's life Jaguar fitted a new style of more expensive strut that provided a 'stop'. This prevented the bonnet from being closed until it had been raised to ride over the stop within the strut. These are an easy retro-fit item, if more expensive"

Does anyone have these fitted? Are they as good as they sound? Will they fit a 1982 HE? Where do I get them from?

These are the struts fitted to late facelift models. One is a "locking" strut, one is a "non-locking" strut. Part nos are BEC 15544 & 13515. You can often see them advertised by people on eBay. They are also quoted by usual Jaguar specialists but are quite pricey as original equipment parts (c£90 each)

Thanks for the reply. At £90 I think they will have to wait a while, though probably still worth it compare to a clout on the head when you're trying to work on the engine.

Hi David - You don't need locking bonnet struts. If you are really getting clonked on the head by the bonnet closing when it shouldn't, it's just due to the standard struts being weak. (I'm a master of the obvious statement!)
It used to be that mine would only stay open if the slope of the car was right!
Fit a replacement set of standard struts. I got mine from 'Jags of Bursledon' on Ebay, 'Buy it Now' price of £30 per pair.
I fitted mine, dead easy, and I promise you that now, when the bonnets up it's UP! Goood quality product as in OEM standard.
Cheers, Archie