Rear Hatch Struts Removal
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 1,549
From: Johnson City NY
Rear Hatch Struts Removal
Can anyone tell me how to remove the rear hatch struts on a 85 ?
They are origional and I can't find a release. How hard and what can I pry on ! I have replacements from NAPA
Thanx
They are origional and I can't find a release. How hard and what can I pry on ! I have replacements from NAPA
Thanx
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 19,653
Likes: 428
From: Melbourne Florida
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Rear Hatch Struts Removal (GoldRose85)
Here's a little info.. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=131029 ...be careful with the aftermarket struts...after you put the new ones in close the hatch very slowly just in case they are a hair too long...one guy just slammed the hatch shut like usual after install and the struts were like 1/2 inch too long and he cracked his glass... :eek:
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 1,549
From: Johnson City NY
Re: Rear Hatch Struts Removal (Fuzzy Dice)
Fuzzy
Thanks for the reply.but I can not find any clips to remove
The replacement has sliding clips but
It seems that the ball is formed around the connection
with no visable connecters
Thanx Again
Thanks for the reply.but I can not find any clips to remove
The replacement has sliding clips but
It seems that the ball is formed around the connection
with no visable connecters
Thanx Again
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Henderson NV
Re: Rear Hatch Struts Removal (GoldRose85)
I use a small screwdriver blade to release the spring (gently or you'll pop the spring off and the're not fun to replace). There is a flat spot on the connector to insert the blade. Support the glass to take the weight off the strut, insert the blade and pry the spring away from the connector while at the same time apply pressure on the strut away from the ball. To replace, just snap the fitting using pressure, no need to use the screwdriver.
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,478
Likes: 3
From: Sacramento, CA Money can't buy happiness - but it's more comfortable to cry in a Corvette than a Yugo.
Re: Rear Hatch Struts Removal (GoldRose85)
Here are a couple of pictures from my coupe hatch struts.
The first shows the end with the clip and the two indentations where a small screwdriver can be slipped under the clip to pull it away from the hatch strut end housing.
The second pic shows a screwdriver inserted under the clip and pulling the clip away from he end. Notice the side of the clip is pulling out of the housing. The clip must be pulled completely off in order to remove the strut end from the ball.
-Mike
The first shows the end with the clip and the two indentations where a small screwdriver can be slipped under the clip to pull it away from the hatch strut end housing.
The second pic shows a screwdriver inserted under the clip and pulling the clip away from he end. Notice the side of the clip is pulling out of the housing. The clip must be pulled completely off in order to remove the strut end from the ball.
-Mike
