Convertible hatch gone limp
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 4
From: Arlington TX
Convertible hatch gone limp
I can't seem to find any mention about replacing the springs/pneumatic shocks that keep the convertible hatch raised when you are raising/lowering the top. Mine won't stay up- it'll just fall when you are trying to maneuver the top.
Anyone dealt with this before? Easy to replace? I assume there are one or two hydraulic shocks tucked away somewhere.
I try not to question the voodoo of the corvette convertible top...
Anyone dealt with this before? Easy to replace? I assume there are one or two hydraulic shocks tucked away somewhere.
I try not to question the voodoo of the corvette convertible top...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Not had to do it myself but looks very straight forward
Document ID# 656600
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
________________________________________
Folding Top Stowage Compartment Lid Struts Replace
Removal Procedure
1. Open the folding top stowage compartment.
2. Remove the forward end of the strut from the hinge ball stud.
3. Close the folding top stowage compartment lid.
4. Open the rear stowage compartment lid.
5. Remove the strut from the rear ball stud.
Installation Procedure
1. Open the rear stowage compartment lid.
2. Position the rod end of the strut through the access hole between the quarter panel and the support.
3. Install the strut to the rear ball stud.
4. Close the rear stowage compartment.
5. Open the folding top stowage compartment.
6. Install the rod end of the strut to the front of the hinge.
7. Close the folding top stowage compartment.
________________________________________
Document ID# 656600
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
Document ID# 656600
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
________________________________________
Folding Top Stowage Compartment Lid Struts Replace
Removal Procedure
1. Open the folding top stowage compartment.
2. Remove the forward end of the strut from the hinge ball stud.
3. Close the folding top stowage compartment lid.
4. Open the rear stowage compartment lid.
5. Remove the strut from the rear ball stud.
Installation Procedure
1. Open the rear stowage compartment lid.
2. Position the rod end of the strut through the access hole between the quarter panel and the support.
3. Install the strut to the rear ball stud.
4. Close the rear stowage compartment.
5. Open the folding top stowage compartment.
6. Install the rod end of the strut to the front of the hinge.
7. Close the folding top stowage compartment.
________________________________________
Document ID# 656600
2002 Chevrolet Corvette
Last edited by DeeGee; Sep 27, 2010 at 02:56 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 4
From: Arlington TX
Awesome- Thanks to Mark Martin and DeeGee I'll be able to keep it up again. 
Anyone know that part number/length? (this thread is getting more and more elementary-school yard with everything I say!)
I'm gonna take it off and just see if autozone has a generic one of the same length- that'll probably do it- but if I'm wrong give a shout.
Thanks!
Anyone know that part number/length? (this thread is getting more and more elementary-school yard with everything I say!)
I'm gonna take it off and just see if autozone has a generic one of the same length- that'll probably do it- but if I'm wrong give a shout.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 4
From: Arlington TX
Alright, these gas struts or gas springs don't seem to exist- anyone had luck finding them? Or have a part number? I've hit up some of the dismantlers looking for some used ones...
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 158
Likes: 4
From: Arlington TX
I've been to both Autozone and O'Reily's- they have ones that are close... They had one that was really close, but the ends were the wrong size and would not fit on the mounting nubs...
Sooo, I just found someone that had a used set- going for those. Odd that this happened (well, not too odd- this kind of crap happens to my vette all the time!) since there is very little pressure on them.
The only reason I'm replacing them is that every time I raise/lower the top, while holding up the hatch with my elbow/back, the center of the hatch hits the edge of the top- and eventually, that sharp edge will wear down the top. Plus, this is a corvette, not a chevette.
If anyone finds a part number, post it for future reference...
Sooo, I just found someone that had a used set- going for those. Odd that this happened (well, not too odd- this kind of crap happens to my vette all the time!) since there is very little pressure on them.
The only reason I'm replacing them is that every time I raise/lower the top, while holding up the hatch with my elbow/back, the center of the hatch hits the edge of the top- and eventually, that sharp edge will wear down the top. Plus, this is a corvette, not a chevette.
If anyone finds a part number, post it for future reference...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall TX
Last edited by dmarkshark; Oct 1, 2010 at 11:24 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 10,340
Likes: 664
From: Beverly Hills (Pine Ridge) Florida
I've been to both Autozone and O'Reily's- they have ones that are close... They had one that was really close, but the ends were the wrong size and would not fit on the mounting nubs...
Sooo, I just found someone that had a used set- going for those. Odd that this happened (well, not too odd- this kind of crap happens to my vette all the time!) since there is very little pressure on them.
The only reason I'm replacing them is that every time I raise/lower the top, while holding up the hatch with my elbow/back, the center of the hatch hits the edge of the top- and eventually, that sharp edge will wear down the top. Plus, this is a corvette, not a chevette.
If anyone finds a part number, post it for future reference...
Sooo, I just found someone that had a used set- going for those. Odd that this happened (well, not too odd- this kind of crap happens to my vette all the time!) since there is very little pressure on them.
The only reason I'm replacing them is that every time I raise/lower the top, while holding up the hatch with my elbow/back, the center of the hatch hits the edge of the top- and eventually, that sharp edge will wear down the top. Plus, this is a corvette, not a chevette.
If anyone finds a part number, post it for future reference...
I just ordered 2 from ZIP ($49.89 with shipping).
Do not bother putting on used struts, since all struts fail (leak) with age. You will be looking for new ones sooner, than later..........
Plasticman
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 2
From: pawleys island sc
got mine on that auction site - put your make, model ,year in and they tell you what you need. install is a piece of cake.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: Breckenridge CO
Just bought and installed a pair on my 2003 Convertible. A little tricky getting the clip off the top end of the existing strut but once you get that part done the project is quite simple. Follow the instructions posted earlier.
In terms of where, I got mine off eBay from a supplier called liftsupportsdepot.com. Cost me $29 for the pair, shipped, and they came fast! Best of all: the units I bought are "Made in America"!!! Life is good! Hal
In terms of where, I got mine off eBay from a supplier called liftsupportsdepot.com. Cost me $29 for the pair, shipped, and they came fast! Best of all: the units I bought are "Made in America"!!! Life is good! Hal
