Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2021 18:52:22 -0500
Reply-To: =?utf-8?B?RGF2aWQgT0tDIPCfh7rwn4e4?= <okdavid55@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: =?utf-8?B?RGF2aWQgT0tDIPCfh7rwn4e4?= <okdavid55@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Rear hatch
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
I just replaced the hatch struts on my '91 Carat after having virtually the same issues Dan described: "When I open the hatch I have to pull/push it up and it requires some effort, it stays when I stop pushing it."
I don't believe my van had suffered any previous hatch trauma, so my hinges are likely undamaged and therefore probably not causing an impediment to opening.
Without giving it much thought, I went on eBay about a month ago and ordered a new pair of struts, with price being a significant factor.
The struts were easy to install and both fit perfectly and work perfectly, raising the hatch all the way by themselves once I open and lift the hatch up a bit.
The struts I purchased are still currently listed on eBay as item number 184607222216. They are listed for $18.98/pair with free shipping, and mine arrived in five days.
The question, of course, is how long will they last. Only time will tell, but I'm happy with them so far.
I realize this information may not resolve your issue, Dan, but I thought I'd share one source for purchasing new struts that I know are effective for our hatches.
David Stell
Oklahoma City
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On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 11:48 AM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> hi all,
>
> A question regarding the rear hatch of one of my vans...
>
> When I open the hatch I have to pull/push it up and it requires some
> effort, it stays when I stop pushing it. The struts are new, the
> hinges are lubed and I don't know why it is hard to get the hatch
> going all the way to the top.
>
> By comparison, on my other vans when I push on the lock either the
> hatch goes all to the top by itself or I pull a little and it goes to
> the top, no effort required.
>
> I'd think that the hinges are bent or rusty inside... but not sure.
>
> thanks
>