Boot lift with gas struts

[fallingoffalot]

The scary spring bar thing has come away form the mechanism that makes the tail gate lift up, always been like that, I use a piece of wood to prop it up. There's actually a bit missing from the hinge joint that means it's not a simple repair and would probably involve a new boot lid. Anyway I came across this recently

https://www.sgs-engineering.com/gsc3028-volkswagen-t2-tailgait-strut

Or even these:

https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/car-brands/spare-parts-vw/transporter-ii-bus/5954/10926/tailgate-struts.html

I could get the adjustable ones and the various fixings. Anyone tried something like this?

 

[gvee]

Whilst there's quite a price difference between the two: are you sure they are equivalent?
Overall length, stroke length and force can make a wild difference to its effectiveness/usefulness.

I've never seen one fitted on a bay window, but it should be feasible, but will require some brackets and wizardry to make it work.

 

[Moseley]

How do they actually mount to the bodywork? I’ve just replaced a couple on the Mrs’ car and they’re positioned such that as the boot is closed, they effectively close and fit within the gap between boot lid and the body. There is no such space on a T2, so I guess these have to be positioned such that they are on show permanently?

Just to add, gas struts store an incredible force and if they’re not mounted to something strong, they will easily bend thin, bodywork steel. I’m thinking that wherever they’re attached on the tailgate, you might have to consider reinforcing the metalwork and adding a threaded ball stud, or bracket to accept one.


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[sparkywig]

Our headline sponsor does a kit.

https://www.justkampers.com/engine-lid-strut-kit-vw-t2-bay-1967-1979.html?fee=1&fep=28360&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLAs&gclid=Cj0KCQiA3smABhCjARIsAKtrg6Ic8j1wEl7zrqT5NNJnlKUlqKM-9eLisxmYZQgl6CiqTkUKp3l4QYQaAg2mEALw_wcB

 

[fallingoffalot]

How do they actually mount to the bodywork? I’ve just replaced a couple on the Mrs’ car and they’re positioned such that as the boot is closed, they effectively close and fit within the gap between boot lid and the body. There is no such space on a T2, so I guess these have to be positioned such that they are on show permanently?

Just to add, gas struts store an incredible force and if they’re not mounted to something strong, they will easily bend thin, bodywork steel. I’m thinking that wherever they’re attached on the tailgate, you might have to consider reinforcing the metalwork and adding a threaded ball stud, or bracket to accept one.


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Yeah I think they would be visible from the inside, I may only need one on one side as the tailgate does lift with the other side, which isn't enough to support the whole weight. I would have to try and work out what brackets I need, and you can get an adjustable force strut from SGS so could make it so it's just strong enough. I'll have to have a play. Or I could have another look at the existing bracket/spring and fix it properly. It looks like someone has put a strut on there in the past, maybe it didn't work very well.

 

[fallingoffalot]

The bit I have missing is the bit hanging off the bottom of the bracket under 12, which has no part number!

 

[ozziedog]

I’d put a wanted ad up in the for sale section or maybe contact some of the suppliers that break vans like Nosvw and FBI etc etc. Get the real part then work out how to get it fitted without launching yourself into hyperdrive. It can’t be that impossible,,, can it ?

Ozziedog,,,,,,,,he says as he takes cover :mrgreen: