C4 hatch struts
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C4 hatch struts
How do I remove the hatch struts on a 85? I don't see any type of retainer clip or band on these struts. Looks like I have to unscrew the ball stud. Is this how it's done? Goin to replace weatherstrip. Thanks in advance Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
On my '88 there's a little clip on the bottom fastener that holds the strut onto a ball; pop that clip and the strut slips off the ball so you can pass the WS through. Then put the strut end back onto the ball and pop the clip back into place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
you don't have to remove the clip just slightly pry it away until the strut comes off the ball......watch out the glass is heavier than you'd think.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
you don't have to remove the clip just slightly pry it away until the strut comes off the ball......watch out the glass is heavier than you'd think.
I used a broom handle to prop the middle of the hatch glass before removing a strut connection.
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
C4 hatch strut
On my 85 as I stated there are no clips or metal bands. I know what clips you guys are referring to because I worked at a automobile factory and we had the struts there but they had clips on those. FSM not much help just a picture of strut with ball valve removed. Any other ideas out there? Thanks
Dave
Dave
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
On my 85 as I stated there are no clips or metal bands. I know what clips you guys are referring to because I worked at a automobile factory and we had the struts there but they had clips on those. FSM not much help just a picture of strut with ball valve removed. Any other ideas out there? Thanks
Dave
Dave
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 20
From: Woodstock Georgia
In the process of doing my interior (1986), and mine were screwed on at the rear strut end. Once the bolt was removed, the front portion pryed off.
My memory is a little fuzzy, so it may not actually be a bolt.
My memory is a little fuzzy, so it may not actually be a bolt.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 8
From: Tampa Florida
I looked up the replacement hatch struts for your car on Ecklers the other day they are the same as the other years of C4 that succeed it with the clips......yours are a little different with no clip....but the replacement will go on with the "clip" style retainer....so by using little deductive reasoning the mounting stud/ball should be the same for the style you have.
