mtdoragary

Getting the old ones off was pretty easy, if you consider crawling in the trunk easy! And attaching the forward end of the struts while lying in the trunk is a piece of cake. But then the dilemna reared it's ugly head. Ya gotta get at the back of the struts from the trunk. That's easy enough, but they are compressed and attaching the rear of the new ones requires compressing the new ones! If you're the Governator, maybe that's easy too. Of course it would be easy for anyone if the hatch were raised and the struts could be installed in their extended position, but the Vette won't let you raise the hatch while the trunk is open! So you have to raise the top hatch, raise the top into it's vertical clamshell position and have someone hold the hatch while you crawl into the convertible top storage area and trunk. You really gotta trust the person holding hatch if you're claustrophobic! With the top hatch raised the shocks are extended, and relatively easy to install. Just don't let your helper leave after you install the first strut even though the hatch will stay open with one good strut. Your helper will need to handle the hatch to get it positioned just right to attach the strut. Have fun, and make sure the person holding the hatch likes you!

OK, NOW is the time for someone to point out the EASY way and make me feel REALLY stupid!

Antvette

I replaced mine by myself. I had a board hold up the hatch as I positioned the struts. I had installed the bottom connectors first then i sat further back in the hatch area and adjusted the top till I connected them. I had used my shoulder to finely adjust them till I had one connected then the second one. Hope that helps you.

madmatt9471

I don't need hatch struts but I am going to be doing the struts soo I am going with chrome ones

Thanks,Matt

mtdoragary

truck? bottom half? top half?

Antvette

I fixed it to say hatch. I had the board sit at the back corner, not sitting on the carpet but up on the ledge, and then up to just wedge in on the front of the latch on the same corner. It was only about a 1x2in board and about 30in long I think. Not too sure on the measurements, just something I had lying around.

mtdoragary

Boy, I'm glad that stick didn't slip and leave you locked under the hatch. I know you could get ypurself out, but that would freak me out!

Antvette

lol...yeah, I made sure it was secure enough not to just come loose. I made sure to do it real quick too just in case...but no mishaps.

Vetteman Jack

Sometimes you have to be a contortionist to work on these cars. Glad you got the struts installed.

Kevin Kuse

Do you have the strut part #'s

Neck Breaker

I know this is from early this year but I need to replace my strut too. I went to advance auto to pick up the part and they gave a hood strut for some SUV. (No jokes) They told me this is what I need for my vert hatch. I told the lady I must have dumb on my forehead. Sorry to get off topic.

I need this part number too. I don't want to open a new thread if I don't have to.