I want to use some gas struts / dampers to control the movement of my middy's rear section - the sort of thing you find on most hatch backs and boot lids.
The trouble is that they all have very strong pressure rate and will distort the bodywork.

I need to lower the pressure and let some gas out - is it possible?

can't see how maybe there are some designed for other applications other than for cars which may be more suitable? - struggling to think of any though

how about a spring system? most cars used to use a lever and spring system for the boot lids - a trip to the scrappies to have a look at some?

Cheers

MArk

here you go

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/gas-struts/

google

I've fitted them to stuff at work and they have a tiny Allen bleed screw at one end.
I think we get them from RS.

Some of the car ones are pre set and don't have this screw.

If you find adjustable ones only let a small amount out at a time.


hth

Paul G

or this

http://www.gasstrutengineering.co.uk/index.php?page=products&pid=8

I don't think I'd try reducing the gas pressure - some of them have a LOT of pressure in them - a grave (sic) safety risk!! The best thing to do would be to put a piece of alloy to spread the load over a larger surface area, or get special ones with low pressure to start with...

I agree, rathar than a strut, what about a simple bellcrank and spring, or even a wound spring on a rod, or torsion rod and a catch to hold the rear hatch down.
lighter, simpler.....

I agree, rathar than a strut, what about a simple bellcrank and spring, or even a wound spring on a rod, or torsion rod and a catch to hold the rear hatch down.
lighter, simpler.....

Thanks for the links - I already had a look at their prices so decided to find a Locost solution!

Spreading the load is a valid point but I still need a weaker pressure as the ones I have are so powerful they are scary!

I will have a look at my local scappy and see if he has anything with a weaker pressure - even a totally knackered pair with next to no pressure would be ok as I really only need them as a movement limiter rather than a 'lift assister'. A mechanical version like the sliding bonnet stays would be ok ...


but the gas struts are so compact I will persist for a while.

I was thinking about trying to slide a pin down the seal to allow some gas to escape but I agree that it could be a bit risky!


[Edited on 9-8-06 by RazMan]

Albert Jaggers in Walsall, W.Mids sell them really cheap and you can specify open / close lengths and ram force in Newtons so if you do a bit of maths you can tell them what you want.

I thought that type of strut was a fortune until I spoke to them, the ones I wanted were about £7!!

They are a trade only place but if you go to the counter with a made up name they never ask any questions.

LOL - Just did a Google search for them and discovered that Noddy Holder used to work there!

Thanks Nick - I will give them a try.

Top company is Jaggers! - £13 each and with a low pressure of 50 Newtons which should be ideal! £8 carriage but at least I don't have to go North of Watford (can't find my passport anyway)

Sorted