Date:         Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:33:07 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ecaron1@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Hatchback struts
In-Reply-To:  <000601d2a8a8$3cfcd3a0$b6f67ae0$@com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Struts contribution,

In 2013 I just purchased my Vanagon.  the struts gave out. 

With list advice I learned there was a weak an a strong strut in most applications.  I searched around several venders, not all, and found the least expensive at GW.  I had no idea how to install.  I called GW and I was given a tech and he talked me through it. 

Now getting a helper from a vender is really important to me.  Over time I’ve moved away from looking for the best price to looking for who can also help me use the product or part best.  Or, just instal it with a  little advice.

GW did it but it was a lot of work getting someone.  Currently, other then this list, Van Cafe, and Vanagain make it easy to get help even on complicated work.

I really appreciate the people and assistance behind the products. 

Getting a good price is also great it is just that for my needs the support is priceless.

All venders have great contributions just for me different strengths and the strut talk reminded me of this.

appreciatively,

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto Westfalia 
with a lot of spring projects ahead!
Venders get ready for my calls!



On Mar 29, 2017, at 12:19 PM, KI4TLF <ki4tlf@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

You're right.  I didn't take into consideration the leverage of the hatch,
as well as the angle of his arms, plus the leverage there.  Hmmmmm

GregM

-----Original Message-----
From: Alistair Bell [mailto:albell@shaw.ca]
Sent: Wednesday, March 29, 2017 10:22 AM
To: KI4TLF
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Hatchback struts

Mmm, I'm not sure about that Greg.

What with the relative positions of the hinge, the strut attachment point,
Ollie's grasping hand, and the  changing strut angle....

:-)

Alistair



> On Mar 29, 2017, at 1:22 AM, KI4TLF <ki4tlf@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Let's see,  175 lbs divided by 2 struts, Hmmm, a little less than 87.5
> lbs each.  :-)
> 
> GregM
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
> Behalf Of Alistair Bell
> Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 11:51 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Hatchback struts
> 
> Oh, go westy, just tell us the force rating in the struts will ya?
> doesn't even have to be in metric :-)
> 
> Alistair
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Mar 28, 2017, at 9:40 PM, OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>>  I put a set of these on My 90Westy back in Dec2015 & still dang
>> near
> have to do a ChinUp on the Hatch to close it ~
>> 
>> I weigh about 175Lbs ~
>> 
>> http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?id=23475
>> 
>>                                          ORR ~ DeanB
>> 
>>> On 28 Mar , 2017, at 10:05 PM, Alistair Bell wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi,
>>> 
>>> My friend Simon bought some 1250 N struts from Germany for the
>>> similar
> reason. They're great, lifts his spare tire rack and bike rack ( with
> tire and bike) that I made for him.
>>> 
>>> Without anything on the hatch it's hard to close.
>>> 
>>> Unfortunately the German source has dried up, but I mention it so
>>> you
> will know that 1250N is strong enough for a good load on hatch.
>>> 
>>> Oh, and before anyone asks, it's been almost three years now with
>>> the
> struts and no adverse effect noted on the hatch.
>>> 
>>> I've been looking for similar struts but not found any yet.
>>> 
>>> Alistair