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| rear hatch strut; cheap end to head banging | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 3 2010, 08:35 PM (672 Views) | |
| BryanTheGhostRider | Mar 4 2010, 11:47 AM Post #16 |
 
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Lol im using a shovel handle  |
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| nerys | Mar 4 2010, 11:50 AM Post #17 |
Grr
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Your computer has a short term memory called "cache" you can "put" content into cache and then move to another program on the computer and EXTRACT the cache into that program. SO for example if I liked this sentence and wanted to keep it in a txt file. Think of it like the POCKETS on your jacket. you need to get the keys to your car from your desk to your ignition. You don't want to hold them so you put them in "cache" to hold them temporarily until you load the "car" program and need it for the ignition. Once you are in the car you remove it from cache (your pocket) and paste it into ignition. get it? hehe :-) "Wow! Very clever idea! I replaced mine a while back, but this is much better than a broom stick. A little black spray paint, and no one will notice it." I could HIGHLIGHT (make blue click and HOLD the click at WOW and drag till I have selected all the text I want and then release the click) the text I want and then RIGHT CLICK and select copy (or goto edit select copy OR press CTRL+C all the same thing) we call this "copying" or "Cutting" (cut is actually copy and REMOVE while copy is copy and leave in place) then you can switch to a word processor on your computer (word notepad etc..) or even this message box JUST like I did above with 91xfi1.0's post. and PASTE it. (same process right click pasted EDIT paste or CTRL+V all the same thing) and it will INSERT that text where I specify if its compatible. (this is why you can not copy a PICTURE from your computer into the post but you CAN copy a picture into photoshop using this method) we call this a Copy Paste action or some call Cut and Paste. in this case we can not paste a picture but we can paste CODE that RENDERS a picture if its in the proper code ie img tag. Now on to the subject at hand. While this is NO solution to a proper fix (replace the struts) it is an EXCELLENT little hack. Paint that tube BLACK and it would be almost invisible! Very very cool idea. I was going to describe it in detail but that last picture does a pretty good job. Your basically making an "auto wedge" remember having to stick a "stick" between the hatch and body to hold it up? well this is an "auto stick" because the pvc is a little bigger than it needs to be and at an angle when you open up the hatch if its the right length once it "clears" the main strut body it pivots a little and wedges between the strut and the strut body. So its fully auto on opening and you just have to "nudge it" to let the hatch close. VERY cool idea. Edited by nerys, Mar 4 2010, 11:52 AM.
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| enginedoctorgeo | Mar 11 2010, 07:44 PM Post #18 |
 
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Your dad must have seen a cab over tractor or two! That is how a lot of cabovers have a safety catch design to keep cab from comming down on you. I been using vise grips myself, might try your deal. I was looking to see if I could come up with something myself, simple but effective. I thought about drilling a hole thru one large enough for a pin or something that you could keep clipped to the strut. I am sure with so many minds on the project, someone could come up with something small and effective. |
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| zippy | Mar 11 2010, 10:08 PM Post #19 |
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is this really that common of a problem? ive got a super rusty 93 and my hatch works fine unless its way below freezing outside |
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| nerys | Mar 12 2010, 12:05 AM Post #20 |
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Grr
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hatch struts are ALWAYS failing especially if you tend to keep your cars a long time. They seem to last 2-4 years. 3 sets on my cherokee and this set needs to be replaced. oddly the ones on the voyager are holding up quite nicely. FYI I still hit my damned head on the hatch "lip" and that hurts like hell :-) Edited by nerys, Mar 12 2010, 12:05 AM.
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| CityConnection | Mar 12 2010, 04:15 AM Post #21 |
This is you, so you must be online
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I'm sorry, I can't hear you over this sexy: 
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| bogs | Mar 12 2010, 06:26 AM Post #22 |
Duct tape heals all wounds
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Wow, I think they both look great  For a possible complete 'fix' to the hatch struts, might I suggest looking to our old friend the engine bay  I've used 2 different methods to 'fix' hatch drop on different occaisions in the past. One was the (very simple) prop rod. Disadvantages to this are that the hatch can be pretty heavy to lift into place, and if not secured properly can come down quite quickly. Another possible solution (but requires more reworking of the area) is to use hood hinge springs (the circular ones work best). These almost *never* fail, and will probably outlast your car. Of course, the proper way is the gas filled struts. |
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| Woodie | Mar 12 2010, 07:30 AM Post #23 |
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Yes, it's a very common problem. But it's so easily and cheaply fixed, I don't understand why the endless posts about it. Go down to your local auto parts store and either buy the $7 prop rod that bolts to the strut, or buy the $20 strut. |
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| bogs | Mar 12 2010, 08:09 AM Post #24 |
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Duct tape heals all wounds
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I can understand the endless posts about it, but thats simply because its a right pain in the arse to have to fix it every so often when they could have engineered it better to begin with. Full disclaimer - I have no engineering degree nor have I ever attended a place of higher education. I claim no special insights and, if truth be known, I am probably not the sharpest knife in the drawer. However, even I can see the disadvantage to using a part that is the weakest link in the chain, and its not like holding something open is rocket science. I really can not see any advantage to having chosen a gas filled strut for the purpose of holding open a hatch. If you see the advantage in this, by all means I wish to know it. It probably would not change my opinion of it, but I would love to have the insight into the reasoning. As to the endless posts about it, almost anyone likes to improve things, I see no harm in posting questions about other peoples solutions, it is educational after all
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| starscream5000 | Mar 12 2010, 08:36 AM Post #25 |
AKA 95_G105spd
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Why not just instal a proper locking hinge that will hold it up? I personally think the gas struts were placed in cars as a convenience more than anything. Most people do not want to take the time or energy to life the hatch all the way up and lock the hinge to keep it from falling back down. Gas struts aid in the raising of the hood so the consumer doesn't have to work as hard at it. They're just being lazy if you ask me...
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| jeff | Mar 12 2010, 12:03 PM Post #26 |
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Think it is great! JCWhitney years ago offered similiar item. I bought replacements 4mine with the gas I saved. |
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| 91xfi1.0 | Mar 12 2010, 12:33 PM Post #27 |
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Advanced Member
  ![]](http://209.85.62.24/static/1/pip_r.png)
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Hi, pls tell me a little more about the $7 prop rod. What does it look like? I don't need it for my Geo, but it might work great for another project I am considering. |
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| nerys | Mar 12 2010, 04:18 PM Post #28 |
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Grr
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around here those struts are $27 EACH and you need TWO thats over $60 with tax and gas. now cheap by any stretch. I got lucky and found a functional pair for $2 a pop at the pic and pull :-) |
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| Woodie | Mar 13 2010, 06:04 AM Post #29 |
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http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_LIFT-LOCK-Pylon_6070434-P_N3608_A|GRP2037____ AutoZone has the lifts for my 98 for $19, your year may differ. Lots of guys have said they bought one and it works great. I'm sure a half worn out one from the junkyard might require two. |
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| metroschultz | Mar 13 2010, 09:48 AM Post #30 |
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NHRA N E 1
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I just replaced the struts from a newer model. Meh |
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