Date: Wed, 22 Sep 2021 14:41:53 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Rear hatch
In-Reply-To: <CAFdLW6mjTXL_fSzJU4qngFFVkkDUywu4u40Ag_9W-OeKo8K0uQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Dan,
Does it feel super heavy with the struts that are working on the other van or with new struts?
Is it heavy with weight or with friction or binding hinges?
I know, finding the problem for me is the first big challenge, then find a solution.
Hang in there.
Eric Caron
> On Sep 22, 2021, at 2:29 PM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> The hatch on my van feels like it weighs a couple tons WITH the struts... something's not quite right...
>
> I am debating putting stronger struts but then I may not be able to pull it down to close it.
>
> Thanks all for your inputs...
>
> On Wed, Sep 22, 2021 at 7:04 AM Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>> wrote:
> Oh boy!
>
> That seems like a bit of a reach. I replaced that motor once and it is not heavy. Also, pretty sure it is just about in the center. I would think many other things like bike racks and other hatch attachments would be more likely to cause a problem than the small motor, even over time.
>
> The bigger problem with the wiper is the grommet that now does exist and should be replaced when letting in water!
>
>
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto
>
>
> > On Sep 22, 2021, at 12:19 AM, OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET <mailto:OlRivrRat@COMCAST.NET>> wrote:
> >
> > My guess would be that on Hatches with Window Wipers, the Wiper Motor may
> >
> > add more weight to 1 side ~
> >
> >> On 21 Sep , 2021, at 6:16 PM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM <mailto:davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
> >>
> >> I replaced the struts soon after I got the van in 2008. The old ones had
> >> just gotten tired, and would not hold the hatch up. I just got whatever
> >> was available at some place like NAPA. They came left and right. I could
> >> not tell one from the other, so I asked. The answer I got was that no one
> >> really knew, but that if I put them wrong, the hatch could tell! I later
> >> learned that it was that one was more resistant than the other, but at the
> >> time I still didn't understand the reason. Maybe I still don't. If the
> >> originals were too strong, why not make both sides just a tad weaker rather
> >> than one side more so? Also, why would it matter which side was stronger?
> >> Or maybe, and I just don't remember this, do they have different fasteners
> >> on the two sides, Dennis? Still going strong on those 13 yo FLAPS struts.
> >> mcneely
> >>
> >> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:06 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com <mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com>>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >>> At some point the factory supplied different struts for each side with the
> >>> combined operation being to hold the hatch in most any position. Some folks
> >>> can't reac it whe all the way up and also full extension is a problem in
> >>> some garages. As for them failing frequently they don’t like winter, fast
> >>> operation, slamming into the end stops, and being touched or pulled from
> >>> the side. Personally, I miss the old reliable torsion springs used on the
> >>> bay window hatches.
> >>>
> >>> Dennis
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> -----Original Message-----
> >>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com <mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>> On Behalf Of Dan
> >>> Lamb
> >>> Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:51 PM
> >>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> >>> Subject: Re: Rear hatch
> >>>
> >>> 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 <mailto: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 <mailto: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 <mailto:dbeierl@gmail.com>>
> >>> wrote:
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:11 PM Gil Ngai <gil@dayonemedia.ca <mailto: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
> >>>>>>
> >>>
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