rear trunk mounting

[Bill W]

I read a short article on using gas struts instead of the original mounting springs on my 74 2.0 restoration. Does anyone have the details on what struts to buy (length, diameter, etc) and details on the installation?? I'm ready to reinstall my trunk

[Brister]

It is my understanding that the complete kit.. struts, bolts, pattern etc. will soon be available from Pelican. I'm yearning for the same set-up. My parts want-list has been
updated and I plan to inquire when I place an order within the next few days.

[Brister]

I spoke with Tom yesterday. He said Pelican is searching for someone to produce and package the kit. Tom said they're hoping to be able to offer the packaged kit within the next month. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.. a kit would be so much easier than tinkering. I had a 81 Regal which used gas struts for the front hood. They weren't very large in diameter and as I recall were about 8" or 10" in length. This may be something to research if no one can be found to package the kit.

[Bobbitt]

You can find replacement struts at autoparts stores like NAPA. You need to be careful though, they all opperate at different pressures, resulting in different spring forces. Just because two are the same physical size does not mean that they can support the same hood. Adjustable pressure struts are available. They come precharged to the maximum pressure. You install them and then try. If the spring force is too great, there is a bleeder valve to reduce the internal pressure. You just keep reducing the pressure a little and retrying the spring force. Too much force can lead to bowing of the deck lid.

Also when installing them, be sure to mount them so that the rod is angled slightly down. The struts are gas over oil, with the oil being used to lubricate the seal. If you don't mount them down, the seal on the rod dries out and then they leak. You can get rods with a special seal which basically guarentees that the seal is always wetted with oil, but they are more expensive and might be harder to find.

[Bill W]

Thanks for all the input. I was hoping whoever had done this in the past would see my posting and provide details as to what struts were used etc. I'm ready to mount the trunk NOW. Thanks again

[J P Stein]

To all:
An outfit called MSDS has a kit to do the job. Ca. Ph# 818 453 8823. I looked into it and, as I recall, the price was about $120.
That was about 6 mo. ago & I have a catalog that I can't find(figures).
Another apparently usless piece of trivia stored in the old brain box.
J P Stein

[mkinne]

I used the old front hood struts from my mom's Mercury Sable. They had lost too much charge to hold the Sable's hood up, but still felt strong enough for the trunk on my 914 ('73 1.7L).

I mounted the clevis ends to the side ribs of the trunk lid with a home-made angle bracket. The bracket is attached with bolts and nut-serts. I found ball-stud/brackets (at Pep Boys) for the other ends and bolted these to the wheel wells near the trunk/engine partition. The geometry worked out great so that the struts hold the trunk wide open when fully extended and do not stress the hinges when closed.

[Bill W]

Found the Kit!! The company is indeed MSDS in California. The kit includes all necessary parts and instructions and sells for $119.41 plus shipping.

[Brister]

More informaion please.. where in California is MSDS? An address and telephone number would be appreciated for those of us living in other states.

[Bill W]

The phone number for MSDS is posted above in the reply from J P Stein, 818-453-8823. I don't have their address, I ordered via telephone. They also have a web site,
MSDSINC.com