Hydraulic Liftgate strut

[xsbowes]

Does anyone have pictures of struts they may have mounted to the liftgate on their hardtop?

[Tim Smith]

Excellent question! I've been playing with this idea too.

[Les Parker]

Sorry I do not have a pic. but I used a Classic Range Rover strut and made plates to mount it to the lid and body work.

:thumb-up:

[73revordnal]

http://members.cox.net/jdonato/clamshell.jpg

[xsbowes]

perfect! just what I was looking for.

[Tim Smith]

Hey 73revordnal, you wouldn't have a part number or sizes of those struts, would you? Nicely done BTW!

[xsbowes]

Tim,
My local napa has a rack full of universal struts in various sizes, most include the attaching hardware. Some do not. They run about $25-35 each.

[73revordnal]

StrongArm lift part number 4761, less than $20 at the local parts store. qty 2 reqd.
IIRC, it comes with the ball/socket joints. Also has rear window defrost connections ;)

Hatch bracket is scrap 1/8" mild steel angle with a couple 17/64" clearance holes, attaches to the existing latch bolts, longer 1/4x28 bolt needed.
http://members.cox.net/73revordnal/Lift1.jpg


Body bracket is 1/8 Aluminum channel 1" wide x 2-1/2" long, using existing frame bolt or rivet holes.
http://members.cox.net/73revordnal/Copy%20of%20lift2.jpg

Lifts are strong and holds clamshell in the up postiton while off road.

Good luck.

Jude

[Tim Smith]

Thanks for the part numbers Jude!

Nice work.

[Cutter]

Beautiful, I'm going to have to do this. Thanks!

[LaneRover]

I too think that I may be doing this as there are times that I wish I had a regular door on the back of my 88 because of having to set the supports in place to load or unload anything.

Having those struts would definitely make things easier!

[xsbowes]

Finally installed the struts:

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2073/10249131/18498171/377907274.jpg

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2073/10249131/18498171/377907270.jpg

http://pic80.picturetrail.com/VOL2073/10249131/18498171/377907266.jpg