C5 Convertible storage hatch
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
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C5 Convertible storage hatch
I own a 1999 C5 convertible, when I put the top down I open the storage hatch to fold top into while doing that I have to hold the hatch open while trying to fold top into storage position, the storage lid or hatch or what ever you call it will not stay open by it's self. Can someone tell me where the best place to buy parts for the storage hatch ? Are they struts that can be replaced ? 
Last edited by Rick Wampler; Nov 11, 2015 at 10:21 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 120
I own a 1999 C5 convertible, when I put the top down I open the storage hatch to fold top into while doing that I have to hold the hatch open while trying to fold top into storage position, the storage lid or hatch or what ever you call it will not stay open by it's self. Can someone tell me where the best place to buy parts for the storage hatch ? Are they struts that can be replaced ?
You can try Google to search for the fix. Somehow the search function on here is a bit weak. use "corvette forum" in your google search along with the other pertinent terms.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 405
Likes: 65
From: Rural Iowa
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 151
Likes: 5
From: Jonesborough TN
I bought mine from Mid America. All 6 for 79.99 (hood, convertible top, and trunk lid). They are showing out of stock and they were when I ordered them also. It took a little over a month to get them. I needed the trunk and convertible top ones so I figured for what I would pay for the 4 why not get all 6 since I'm sure I will need the hood ones sometime in the future. I followed the instructions in the link in the previous point and changed them pretty quickly.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette...t-kit-634147-1
http://www.mamotorworks.com/Corvette...t-kit-634147-1
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 2
I have a 2002 convertible. I bought replacement struts on Amazon. The ones I bought were called "Strong Arm 4065 Chevrolet Corvette Tonneau Cover Lift Support". When I bought them they were about $13 each, now I think they are about $15. Just make sure they work for the 1999 model.
I am not a mechanic and I'm not mechanically inclined, but replacing the struts was easy. I read the posts where guys had trouble, but even with my size (I'm 6'6) that can make getting in a tight area difficult, it took maybe 15 minutes.
If you have trouble locating the struts on your car, let me know and I'll post pictures.
I am not a mechanic and I'm not mechanically inclined, but replacing the struts was easy. I read the posts where guys had trouble, but even with my size (I'm 6'6) that can make getting in a tight area difficult, it took maybe 15 minutes.
If you have trouble locating the struts on your car, let me know and I'll post pictures.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 565
Likes: 143
From: Bedford VA
Gene at GMPartsHouse (http://www.gmpartshouse.com/auto-par...mpartment-scat items 12 & 13, you'll need both) can get them for $23.85 each I'm sure. Genuine GM parts.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Last edited by Rick Wampler; Nov 12, 2015 at 03:09 PM.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Gene at GMPartsHouse (http://www.gmpartshouse.com/auto-par...mpartment-scat items 12 & 13, you'll need both) can get them for $23.85 each I'm sure. Genuine GM parts.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,188
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From: Kannapolis NC
Wherever you get them,. get the struts for the tonneau cover. The struts for the trunk are different. If you say "storage area" you might get trunk struts. They can be changed in about 10 minutes with only a small flat screwdriver to pop off the clip. You'll need to have something to prop up your tonneau or have someone hold it up for you. It's very heavy when you remove either or both struts.