Board logo

tailgate strut
smart51 - 16/8/08 at 05:19 PM

My new car has a polycarbonate screen that hinges like a tailgate. I need a gas strut to hold it up, but a very gentle one as it isn't very heavy. I bought one of eBay but it needs almost all my weight to close it. I want something much more lightly sprung.

Recommendations please?

owelly - 16/8/08 at 05:20 PM

RS Components do quite a few or just move the pivot point closer to the hinge?

clairetoo - 16/8/08 at 05:22 PM

RS do a nice line in `adjustable` gas struts - but only adjustable one way , as to soften them they have a small bleed screw to release the pressure . If you let too much out..........

David Jenkins - 16/8/08 at 05:24 PM

Might be better off with a 'lift and let go' to open, and 'lift a bit more and release' to close strut.

Not gas, relies on user muscle, but simple.

balidey - 16/8/08 at 09:19 PM

can you set up a friction hinge?

smart51 - 16/8/08 at 09:49 PM

quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
Might be better off with a 'lift and let go' to open, and 'lift a bit more and release' to close strut.


This would do. What are they called or where would I find one?

RS do nice adjustable gas springs but not for less than £50 sadly.

rusty nuts - 17/8/08 at 10:20 AM

What about a weak S/H strut from a breakers ?

David Jenkins - 17/8/08 at 08:47 PM

quote:
Originally posted by smart51
quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
Might be better off with a 'lift and let go' to open, and 'lift a bit more and release' to close strut.


This would do. What are they called or where would I find one?


I was afraid that you'd ask that question!

Here's one from Europa:
LINK

Here's a couple of others to consider:

LINK

I was talking about the 2nd one down on the left - the 'cam' one. I want a stay for my boot lid - I was considering the one on the top-left as that would be easier to fit.

HTH
David