Replacing Rear Hatch Struts: Experiences?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
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St. Jude Donor '06
Replacing Rear Hatch Struts: Experiences?
I'm thinking of replacing my now almost completely dead rear hatch struts on my 1985 (hatch pops up about an inch)...
Who has done this?
How hard was it?
Any words of advice/warning?
Who has done this?
How hard was it?
Any words of advice/warning?
Last edited by j3studio; Dec 28, 2004 at 08:46 AM. Reason: Added year
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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Be careful disconnecting the plugs for the defogger, other than that, it's pretty easy. I did it on a C5 and this past Saturday we had to take them off my buddy's '88 to put the new weatherstrip on. They got some funky "C" clips that you have to pry off then the slip right off. We didn't try putting the clips back on, so I can't help you there.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
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From: Lakeport CA
Napa Auto had replacements & they are easy to replace. Only had to move the rubber rings that dampen the targa when in storage from the old to the new. Use a small bladed screwdriver to pop the clips (not all the way off, just enough to release the ball). Had the wife hold the glass while doing it. Easy easy job but now its hard to close the glass the new ones are so strong!!!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
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From: El Paso Texas
Originally Posted by Trog
Had the wife hold the glass while doing it. Easy easy job but now its hard to close the glass the new ones are so strong!!!
Using the "wife holding it" method greatly simplifies the job. If you try it alone, plan on getting crowned on the head a couple of times.
Mine are also strong enough now that closing the glass requires some good pressure to get it to close. Beats the hell out of it careening down on your head though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Bahston Mass.
What Mojo said.
I did mine myself, one at a time. Believe it or not, the old ones were still strong enough to hold the glass up. Nice easy job though
If you haven't bought them yet, you'll get a great deal from Chris May at Superior
I did mine myself, one at a time. Believe it or not, the old ones were still strong enough to hold the glass up. Nice easy job though
If you haven't bought them yet, you'll get a great deal from Chris May at Superior
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,178
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From: Bahston Mass.
I don't have his email here (I'm sure someone will come in with it) but it's Chris May, at Superior Chevrolet. He gives forum members GREAT discounts. I've ordered a lot from him, and have loved the service.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
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From: Philadelphia Burbs
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Originally Posted by JB666
I don't have his email here (I'm sure someone will come in with it) but it's Chris May, at Superior Chevrolet.
Drifting
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From: Lockport, IL Let's get em ALL home soon!
Originally Posted by Frizlefrak
Using the "wife holding it" method greatly simplifies the job. If you try it alone, plan on getting crowned on the head a couple of times.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: St. Charles, MO Route 66 Corvette Club
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being very difficult, this job is a 1.5...if you have someone hold the rear glass for you! Once you determine where to place the small screwdriver into the holding clips, the struts will come off very easy! Mojo was "right on" with the defroster connections. Take your time and they will come off.
SAM
SAM
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From: Sauk Rapids MN
I don't see any clips on mine to release. Does the 85 have these clips or is it just the newer C4? I know my 88 Camaro had clips when I replaced the hood supports, but this strut is a different design. Any comments appreciated!
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Last edited by H P Bushrod; May 28, 2012 at 12:39 PM.
