Date:         Tue, 21 Sep 2021 13:50:36 -0500
Reply-To:     Dan Lamb <vanagongramps@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan Lamb <vanagongramps@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Rear hatch
Comments: To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net>
In-Reply-To:  <40C13A81-5470-45E0-AF35-2F4EA4B12A35@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

It sounds like the hinges are still  binding. Might try loosening hinge bolts slightly either at the door jamb or on the door itself and see if a very small nudge will allow the hinges to move more freely. Also check the gap all around. Could be it got dropped or pushed down hard with something  in a corner that left it with a slight warp or twist. If you see a difference, put a 2x4 in the opposite corner and push down gently to try to straighten it. 

 Could remove the struts and rule them out as part of the problem. Yeah, door is heavy. Maybe get someone to help. Good luck. At least it works. Haha
Dan
Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky

> On Sep 21, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Dan,
> 
> I recommend trying new struts.  You can always have a spare ready if that isn’t it.  
> 
> Or, try struts from one of your other vans and see if it is healthy again.

> 
> Eric Caron 
> 85 GL Auto 
> Changed struts from GW in 2014 and still good. 
> 
> 
> 
>> On Sep 21, 2021, at 2:23 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>> 
>> Thank you all.
>> 
>> I will try some struts combinations.
>> 
>> The thing is ... the hatch does not go down if I stop pushing it, it stays,
>> so I am safe here. It doesn't go up as easily as on my other vans and
>> pulling it to close requires as much effort to push it to open.
>> 
>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 11:14 AM David Beierl <dbeierl@gmail.com> wrote:

>>> 
>>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:11 PM Gil Ngai <gil@dayonemedia.ca> wrote:
>>> 
>>>> How do you tell which are the strong struts when buying them?
>>>> Do you know where to get them?
>>>> 
>>> 
>>> If I once knew which was which I've forgotten.  But Bus Depot can tell you
>>> I'm pretty sure.
>>> 
>>> Yrs,
>>> d
>>>