Dumb (probably) question about deck lid struts

[rs6er]

I recently ordered a new strut for my deck lid. After attaching it to the firewall I was unable to get it to mount to the lid because I couldn't get the strut shaft to move in or out. I told the seller it was defective and I just received the new one. I can't get this one to move in or out either. Am I missing something (mentally)?

[Howard M]

As I recall (it's been a long time) the new struts are quite stiff compared the old, limp ones you are replacing. If you press real hard you can compress them as necessay for installation. Certainly, they should require slight compression, not extention.

[Wil Ferch]

These are almost impossible to compress by hand...they need the mechanical leverage of the installed position to allow them to compress.

normally...if you can't get them to fit....try fitting one end on the firewall and the other end is "loose". Then... if it doesn't want to fit the deck lid attachment point...you may have to lift the lid slighty to allow the "eye" of the strut end to fit.

I say "normally"....

My latest set was a Weltmeister Lifetime HD set....and the eye-to-eye length was way off...almost one entire "hole" diameter longer than stock ! Had to unscrew the end fitting ( it's pot metal) ..and sawed off a bit of length...and then re-installed ( simply screwed back on)....NOW I could get it to fit both ends. The extra length was most certainly wrong compared to the "extended" length of the factory part.

- Wil

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by Wil Ferch


normally...if you can't get them to fit....try fitting one end on the firewall and the other end is "loose". Then... if it doesn't want to fit the deck lid attachment point...you may have to lift the lid slighty to allow the "eye" of the strut end to fit.

Yes, lift with you head and slip the pin in.

[defcon65]

I had the same experience with my new strut from Pelican and I was able to compress it using a quick-clamp. You could also try to compress it with a long lever, like a 2x4 wedged under something unmoveable and pressed downward. I thought for sure that it was so stiff it would bend the strut mounts when I tried to close the lid, but the mechanical advantage of the lid and mounts compressed it easily. Now I don't have to use a chunk of broomstick to hold open the lid!

[911pcars]

"Now I don't have to use a chunk of broomstick to hold open the lid!"

Yep. Broomsticks seem so inappropriate for a 911. So are struts that last only 6 month. There is another solution.





Sherwood
www.seinesystems.com
unabashed adv.
(This are available from our host, btw)

[defcon65]

Yeah, I noticed my 'old' strut looked pretty freakin' new when I took it out, and I've seen your elegant solution as well, Sherwood. I think there's a kit for installing a second strut back there, but I'm not sure what is involved. Happily, I have a 3.2 Carrera and hardly ever open the deck lid except to prove to disbelievers that the engine is really in the back.

Joe

Joe

[rs6er]

Yes. The top of my head worked great! Now if I had only used it in the first place. LOL