Opening the boot on a 456GTA

[Caterhamfan]

I recently bought a 1996 456GTA which has been causing me some frustration in getting the boot lid open. As owners will know, there is no external boot handle, just a switch on the centre console. The switch works fine but the boot lid didn't open even a crack and I had to prise it up with my fingers, which took two hands and risked losing fingernails Once the boot lid is open it is held up by two gas struts, one each side. Should these be strong enough to lift the lid all the way open automatically? I bought two replacement struts (from Classic Ferrari Parts) and, although they are stronger than the originals (one new one was able to hold the lid up when I replaced the first of the old ones whereas one old one couldn't) the lid only rises a fraction when the release switch is operated. It is marginally easier to open now but I'm not sure if that is normal or not.

Can anyone out there help? Thank you!

[jtremlett]

On my 550 it only opens releases the catch on the boot lid so it is an inch or so open. I imagine the 456 is the same.

[jango]

On my 456gt was the just opened a little bit

[Caterhamfan]

Thanks very much. That makes sense, thinking about it, there's a distinct "over-centre" feel as the lid is about halfway open or shut, so it opening just a little would be all the mechanism could be expected to do. Mine doesn't really "pop" up at all though. Is there a piston or something that should be raising it that little amount?

[jango]

Just enough to get your fingers under the lip

[Caterhamfan]

Thanks very much, seems mine is normal then