Rear decklid gas strut(s)

[whiz05403]

Hey Gents, Another newbie questiion, yes I searched it already.

I just installed a new rear decklid gas strut, but the previous owner installed a turbo decklid using the original non-turbo hinges. The left hinge has a bracket mount while the right hinge does not. There is a mount on the right side of the car but not on the hinge. The new strut does better than the last but still is not strong enough alone to hold up the deck.

Any suggestions other than the strut brace?

Maybe a turbo right hinge? Or modify the right existing hinge?

Thanks in advance.

Mike

[djcdmv]

This should do the trick. It's made for cars with rear spoilers added.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: PEL-910540

[Wil Ferch]

With all due respect, I very strongly disagree with djcdmv's recommendation...... it's the Devil's playground.

The "correct" way is to put another shock on the right side of the car...the way the factory intended....either using a Turbo hinge or making one up to mount a shock. As you found out, our cars have the matching bracket already there on the firewall, behind the sound mat.

The problem with the "double" shock on the left is that it severely distorts the hinge and most cars I see fitted like this have the surface of the decklid raised because of the extra pressure. The panel gaps in that area end up awful, too. It also twists and cocks the lid, and makes the center latch more sensitive to perfect alignment...and sometimes hangs up.

An American-thought-out aftermarket idea that's been around a long time but causes more problems than it solves... a kludge.

[Wil Ferch]

Here's a car I inspected recently for a buyer.... maybe the pic may not show this clearly enough?.... awful in real-world sight.--->

[djcdmv]

I would even take Wil's advice over mine... he knows A LOT more technical info than I do. I'm pretty new to Porsches. I just remember seeing the double shock while searching for my hood and trunk shocks. I can certainly understand Wil's concerns.

[Wil Ferch]

Dave ( hi neighbor ! ... ) .....

As I honestly said, I meant no dis-respect for your obvious well-intentioned help...and sure enough,.... this "kit" has been on the market for years. Some guys may not even notice.....but the effect is indeed there. I find it to cause more problems, compared to how much it helps.

[whiz05403]

That kit is exactly what my thirteen year old thought up. It does seem like it would be a bunch of pressure all on one side. My lid actually sits low all the way around.

Where would be a good place to get a Turbo hinge?

[Por_sha911]

Get one of these: Advance Auto Parts: Lift Lock by Pylon - Part 8200
Less than $15 with tax, adds virtually no weight, an hour labor; and you'll never need to replace a decklid strut again.

[Hugh R]

I bought a turbo hinge for the right side, used on PP for something like $30 no issues after that. I tried something else earlier and concluded that it if sheared it would punch a hole in my A/C condenser that I no longer have installed.

[DRACO A5OG]

+1 on Dr Wil's recommendation, I had the dual shocks, it totally distorted the lid.

I placed a used Turbo hinge and split my existing dual shock. it was a simple assembly and evened out the rear lid.

[rusnak]

I added a Carrera tail and new decklid a few years ago. To support the additional weight, I bought a right side hinge arm with the gas strut attachment. I fabricated the firewall bracket and had all the stuff painted at a bodyshop in one go.

When I put it all on the car, I was pleased to find that the new decklid opens and closes much more squarely than the original tail-less decklid with the gas strut on just the left side.

[DRACO A5OG]

Hey Rusnak,

You had to fabricate a mount? Mine had the mount, did the add it in "85?

[rusnak]

I dunno...my 911 originally did not have a tail, so I just thought it was normal to have no bracket on the right side. The sheetmetal has a rectangle shape, but no welded on bracket.

[sc_rufctr]

This is an OEM one from an 87 cabrio I took photos of 10 years ago so I could fabricate my own.
I always wondered why Porsche didn't make a mirror copy of the left hand hinge???

[Wil Ferch]

The right-and-left side simply makes more sense and does indeed offer lifting forces on both sides evenly....a nice touch to maintain squareness , etc.......

[whiz05403]

Thanks for all the replys.

Ideally a right turbo hinge would be the answer, but that "Lift lock" might be the ticket!!

I'm not digging the 2x4 holding up my lid right now!!

Any leads on a hinge?

[Wil Ferch]

Any Porsche dismantler should be able to fix you up.... or "ask" for one on this site for used Porsche parts.

Or... If someone can take some measurements, you may be able to fab up a bolt-on equivalent tab yourself to the original hinge.

[whiz05403]

I found one out West for $60 plus shipping, think that is an OK price?