Trunk lid pistons

sfoster13 · 01-14-2006, 11:47 AM

Just bought an 82 sc and the trunk lid won't stay up. It has Weltmeister trunk lid pistons (is that what they're called?). However, they are not both installed in the same direction. One is installed with the top end up and the other the top end down. I'm assuming this is the problem. My question is, which end is supposed to be up? Can someone post a pic if possible?

Thanks,
Sean

HFR_Racer · HFR_Racer's Garage

sorry for the double post

HFR_Racer · HFR_Racer's Garage

You want to install the trunk lid supports (shocks) so that they are forcing the trunk open. Yes, I believe they should both be the same direction.

Usually the rod end attaches to the hood and the body end of the shock goes toward the vehicle. It sounds like your hood supports are working against each other. It makes sense that your hood won't stay open.

911pcars · 01-14-2006, 12:10 PM

Gas struts should work in either direction (it doesn't know), but even if you install them in the suggested position, many will last about 6-12 months before regressing to the "automatically close whatever it's supporting mode".

I've created this product to reduce the number of failed gas struts in your garage.

Ultimate Strut. Carbon fiber. Ultra light. No gas to leak out. Should last a long time.

Sherwood
(shameless commerce)

Barrpete · 01-14-2006, 01:39 PM

Typically they are installed with the cylinder (fat) end towards the bottom, but it should work either way. They are probably worn out. I replaced mine a year ago with the heavy duty ones our host sells. No problems so far. I also noticed that the ends of the heavy duty ones screw on - which may make replacing them a lot easier if you don't have to mess with that hard to reach pin & clip at the bottom.

sfoster13 · 01-14-2006, 02:48 PM

Thanks guys, I'll try turning around the one that's wrong and if it doesn't work I'll replace them.

Sean

Richard Burns · Richard Burns's Garage

Why not remove the struts and have them regassed.
Richard.

aigel · aigel's Garage

As said above, switching it won't make a difference. They are just worn out. I replaced mine a couple years ago and sure enough, the front is sagging again.

Sherwood:

Where do your rods go when the hood is closed? Do you have a little clip that they go into with the loose end?

Why not make a system like they have it on the older corvettes? Are you familiar with it? It's a very light and smart design.

George

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

If the fronts are the same as the rears....I have a set that I took off that are in great condition....lemme know if ya want them.....

sfoster13 · 01-14-2006, 04:05 PM

mikez - I think they're different. Pelican stocks fronts and rears that are different part numbers (but the pictures look the same). Thanks for the offer but I'll pick up a couple from our host to be sure.

You guys were right. I reversed the upside down one and nada. They're a real treat to install at the base.

aigel · aigel's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by sfoster13
They're a real treat to install at the base.

Which is why one side may have been upside down. P.O. decided it would be easier to put the thin end into the bottom. I agree, hood shocks are a major PITA and it's just unbelievable that there isn't a quality shock out there that holds up for longer than a few years.

George

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Actually mine are from a marine supply store. Heavy duty stainless steel and such in good shape that when I switched to a f/g hood it warped the hood. One I removed them the sun's heat flattened out the lid.

I now use a steel strut that folds into the trunk when not in use to support it....

The marine style ones are used for boat hatches and such....salt water proof and built to withstand the rigors of the sea....

911pcars · 04:39 PM

"Where do your rods go when the hood is closed? Do you have a little clip that they go into with the loose end?"

George,
When the front hood is closed, the CF tube lays down along the fender line. The rear kit includes a clip-on rubber grommet that attaches under the deck lid support. This provides a rest area for the tube when the deck lid is closed.

"Why not make a system like they have it on the older corvettes? Are you familiar with it? It's a very light and smart design."

I'm not familiar with it. Ultimate Strut is less than 3 oz. Is the early Corvette unit lighter than that?

Sherwood