85 Hatch Struts
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
85 Hatch Struts
I need to replace my hatch struts. The installation instructions I'm getting from the various venders are, they have a clip and all you need to do is use a small screw driver and open the clips and then R&R. However, after looking at my current struts I can't see any clips and don't see how they are secured, any help?
Thanks
JW
Thanks
JW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 761
Likes: 66
From: Fitzwilliam New Hampshire
I have seen gas struts that have a small wire type clip but not sure about yours,they are hard to see once installed they go thru a hole in strut end and then the rest is out of site look very closely at ends. I will check my 94 later to see what I have.
Last edited by A Peter C4; May 22, 2017 at 09:30 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
Thanks. I wonder if a 94 strut is the same as a 85 strut.
Last edited by J W Drew; May 22, 2017 at 10:37 PM. Reason: Wrong Year
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,224
Likes: 1,671
From: Long Island
On my 85, I replaced mine from Rock Auto, took less than 15 minutes.
U shaped clip across from the swivel ball on the back of the strut, it's a small U shaped clip.
U shaped clip across from the swivel ball on the back of the strut, it's a small U shaped clip.
Last edited by BLUE1972; May 22, 2017 at 10:54 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
JW
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 761
Likes: 66
From: Fitzwilliam New Hampshire
Looked at my 94 and it has clips similar to those shown on youtube but no slot to start a screwdriver. I think they would just pop off if I pryed them and I have elec. def. so there are 2 wires that would come off. They should fit your 85.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
JW
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
Well, I just took my 85 Vette to a mechanic to have the hatch struts replaced. My current struts are original and do not have clips. The mechanic was not able to remove the old struts. He tried to loosen the nut but was unable to do so. He refused to go further for fear of breaking the glass. I am at a loss at this point. By the way, the mechanic is a Vette specialist and has done many jobs for me. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
JW
Thanks,
JW
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
Will do as soon as my son comes by with his camera. I'm computer challenged. I just talked to the major Corvette Specialist here in Western Washington and he said to just pop them off with a large screw driver. I asked him if he knew of a replacement hatch in case the glass breaks. Of coarse you know his response.
Thanks,
JW
Thanks,
JW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 772
Likes: 11
From: Susquehanna Valley
This '85 owner had success removing the struts using 45° needle nose pliers.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-1985-a.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-1985-a.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Well, I just took my 85 Vette to a mechanic to have the hatch struts replaced. My current struts are original and do not have clips. The mechanic was not able to remove the old struts. He tried to loosen the nut but was unable to do so. He refused to go further for fear of breaking the glass. I am at a loss at this point. By the way, the mechanic is a Vette specialist and has done many jobs for me. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
JW
Thanks,
JW
No glass on bottom end. Practice there
Last edited by Cruisinfanatic; Aug 8, 2017 at 04:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 442
Likes: 23
From: Seattle Washington
So for the end of the story... I called the guy who replaced my windshield about five years ago. He came over about two hours latter, used a pry bar and the old struts popped right off. All in, took him about 10 minutes. Charged me $20.00. So for future info, 85 struts did not come with retainer clips from the factory. Thanks everybody for your input.
JW
JW
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,496
Likes: 475
From: New Jersey
The connectors for the defroster can be removed by unscrewing the end fitting on the strut, remove the connector, reinstall the end fitting. Or just leave the connectors on.
I had my struts recharged and reinstalled them, thus retaining the born-with struts with their "matching" date codes. there is also a configuration difference in the shape of the bumper. A car is only as original as the parts that are on it. It was about $85 plus shipping to have them recharged.
I had my struts recharged and reinstalled them, thus retaining the born-with struts with their "matching" date codes. there is also a configuration difference in the shape of the bumper. A car is only as original as the parts that are on it. It was about $85 plus shipping to have them recharged.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,228
Likes: 698
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner