Aprilia Boot-Lid Stay

[Martin9]

Can any kind Aprilia owner post a photo or two of how the boot lid stay should be located so that the boot lid is held open? The boot lid on my December 1937 car is considerably corroded and it seems remarkably heavy. The stay appears to have located its foot onto the surround upon which the lid closes, but that surround is bent and not strong so I wonder if there was  another solution.
Many thanks.
M

[simonandjuliet]

That's how they work on 2nd series cars, I will take a photo later

[Martin9]

Thanks Simon, I look forward to a pic.

M

[simonandjuliet]

As promised !

[Martin9]

Many thanks - Great!

M

[stanley sweet]

You could weld a flat plate to the end of the stay to spread the load. Maybe about 60mm long and to the width of the gutter until you can get that area sorted properly.

[brian]

Agree that the gutter needs much reinforcing. I was advised by James Parry not to use the stay as the boot lid is very heavy. I have rarely used the stay and last week noted that there was a definite dip and early hole in the gutter. I almost always use a length of wood to hold the lid open but it appears "almost always" just is not good enough.

[Martin9]

Indeed reinforcement or load spreading or both are likely to be part of the solution. I have been using a broom with shortened handle which is OK, but once or twice I've nearly brought the lid crashing down as I've been loading or unloading in the boot area & bashed the handle.

Many thans for your thoughts.
M

[brian]

Thinking on the problem, I reckon a strip of steel approx 9" x 1/2" x1/4" (220 x 12 x 6mm for the younger viewer) to fit in the gutter would work and get rid of the wood being always in the way scenario. It could rest in a suitable cranny or a small hook in the boot with the wooden dip stick I need in the absence of a working petrol gauge. I might even wrap it in gaffer tape to protect the paintwork.

[DavidLaver]

If its going to be done by James "when its next in" why not drill a couple of holes and screw into a bit of reinforcement under?  Perhaps a couple of plug welds and its done?

[Dilambdaman]

Just caught up on this thread and offer the following. Purists please don't read on!

Could you fit the boot lid stay from a Fulvia? I did so on the Dilambda and it's easy to operate, works fine and has a sufficiently period look to it.

Robin.

[simonandjuliet]

If the channel is in good condition it is perfectly strong enough, my bootlid is half made of lead and there aren't any issues.