i think i have solved the riddle

of that stoopid rear deck lid not popping up.


The way i had mine setup dint work (and from the comments I've heard about their setups - theirs too) - i had to change it.

before, I'd have to pull the rear latch and reach back and stick my fingers in the deck lid vent and pull it up. the popup spring in the latch mechanism was too weak to pop the deck lid up. i tired different latches, different springs, grease, swearing - even the angry fist. all to no avail.

i went to princess auto - picked up 2 gas shocks. picked up 4 mounts from a truck canopy shop on my way home from work today - fabbed the front mounts and bolted them on, clamped the rears and shot this video

low and behold:


the whole setup cost me $25. ($10/gas shock and $5 for the clamps)

Oh yeah............sounds like you're filming a porn movie....lol.

Nice set up, does it just mount to the firewall, or is there a canti-lever thing that I'm not seeing?

I'm after exactly the same thing. Any idea of the pressure output on the shocks?

WAY SMOOOOOTH...... I like the concept and installation......

Mango, my glove wearing brother from the North; that is really awesome!

the shocks are actually quite weak. i went through three sets trying to find ones that would work.

you can use ones that are ~24lbs. phone around to truck canopy places. 12" long x 24lbs pressure. give'er'take

The mounts for the shocks bolt to the hinge (aluminum upper one) and then tot he lower CMC style one (i have yet to drill/bolt these on)

Marty - i have gone through about 12 pairs of those gloves! at $10/pair - i try not to think about $

Another take on a hood popper that is not nearly as elegant, but effective, nevertheless. I used scrap bits of electrical conduit and brazed a washer on the bottom, flat washers for adjustment, and a pair of springs from Home Depot ($5 for a package of 4 springs).

It

I settled for about a 3/4

MangoDude - that is pretty awesome!

John - you are one clever SOCer! Cool rig.

John.... That is an eloquent way to get the job done..... I'm into fabricating things also....

John.... That is an eloquent way to get the job done..... I'm into fabricating things also....

I think if he could lower the firwall ends 1=1/2 it would be more chrisp of a lift .. but when the engine is moving Id have to check the clearances more closely

. Thats to pretty to allow a scratch if they bump,, very nice!!

i added more powerful shocks and it works much better now.

i even have a powerful solenoid and an empty alarm channel should i ever have this thing called 'free time'

More powerful than 24#? There's NO clearance problems with the fan shroud?
Thanks

Mango, what struts did you end up with? Can you give a make/model?

When you say 12", do you mean that's the stroke? What is the compressed and extended length?

I see there are all types of these struts, are these what are known as gas springs?

Thanks for the info!

Cole

Very nice Paul, some how i missed this invention, i liked Johns as well!
Man your car is clean Paul! Do you ever use your bare hands? LOL!

i have a pile of those gloves (used - all missing the finger and thumb now) ~1.5 feet high and at $10/pair, i try not to think about it.

my garage is insulated, but i don't keep it heated, so for my 1-2hrs/night, i just bundle up and get a sweat on. :)

Cole - i don't know the model number. these are often called gas struts. you will be able to buy what you are looking for at a truck canopy store (mounts and struts). be sure to try them out first. if you can compress them with your hand/body weight - you are in the ball-park.

regarding these - with the added weight of my DIY luggage rack - it doesn't open all the way up. it pops open, which i guess is what i was looking for.

i have an extra set of these gas shocks someone can have for $20. there are no ends, or mounts, but those are easy to find

I will take them if they are the ones you finally selected. You said you tried several different ones.

Can you provide pictures and information about how both ends are attached?

Did you use 2 struts for the rear lid?

John, are you back in St Louis ?

Terry, I'm still in Florida. Adding an additional 4 car garage to the house. Back in MO late in May. Anything I can help you with?

John, all is good. I'm itching to put some polish on a red car.

I installed a single 28 lb strut that lifts the lid all the way.

The secret to struts is to have as wide of angle as possible. To achieve this, I mounted the bottom of the strut on the firewall.

Cole

great idea on that top mounting position.