'71 Hatch Strut

[texasz]

Is this a normal hatch strut for an early '71 model? It has a "leg" on it that holds the hatch open and you have to lift it up to close the hatch. This just seams strange to me, the strut should be all that holds the hatch open...but then again there is only one strut and this hatch is heavy.

[240ZX]

Texasz,

The gas strut looks normal, although it's obviously shot, but it looks like someone fabricated a quick fix for a worn out gas strut and added it on (clever anyway).....but that's just one man's opinion. I have a 1970 and have noticed that with the one gas strut and years and years of opening and closing it puts a heavy load on the same side hatch hinge and the hatch wants to twist with resistance, as most people tend to close the hatch by pulling it down from the center of the hatch. I've learned to close the hatch by pulling down on the gas strut side. This way your not putting a twisting momment on the hatch.

[EScanlon]

I believe that is a "Strut Saver" an aftermarket device sold for just a few dollars in lieu of replacing the strut.

I believe JC Whitney carries them, and if you don't want the expense of replacing the strut, it works. Granted, as you've pointed out, you have to move it out of the way to lower the hatch, and the little stick flops around inside after you've closed the hatch.

2¢

[texasz]

I took a closer look at it this morning and it does look manufactured not home made. Nice idea but I will be buying a new strut.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by texasz
I took a closer look at it this morning and it does look manufactured not home made. Nice idea but I will be buying a new strut.

Not sure if they are still available new, but if they are, you might be surprised at how much it will cost you. Last time I saw them listed in the MSA catalog they were quoting over $100 for a unit.

[texasz]

$100 for a hatch strut!!! That's insane!! Might as well be on eBay for that price.

Maybe I'll just leave the 'helper' and strut alone.

[mdbrandy]

Anybody know how hard it would be to transplant the double struts out of a '78 280Z into a '70 240Z? I have a 280 parts car that the struts still hold the hatch open on, so I guess they're in reasonable shape...

BTW, right now, the 240Z has NO hatch strut, and no bracket for one anymore. Love those POs....

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by mdbrandy
Anybody know how hard it would be to transplant the double struts out of a '78 280Z into a '70 240Z?

I don't have any idea, but since you have the parts, give it a shot and let us all know. I know that Id be interested in doing it if I could.

[texasz]

I'm with bambi, I'd be interested if it worked also. I much rather have two struts holding the hatch up than just one.

[mdbrandy]

Ok then, I'll be the guinea pig . It will be quite a long time before I get to that, though - I'm about 90% done stripping the car down, and then it will be the long road back to having it done.

Thanks.

[Alfadog]

What a nifty little device... I'm really impressed. I guess you would have to flick the "stand" off when you close your hatch?

[texasz]

Yes, exactly alfadog...it's kind of a pain.

[tanny]

I was at NAPA Auto Parts yesterday looking up an aftermarket strut for my camper shell. You could check it out and see if anything might fit. They list by stroke length and compressed length and pounds of force. Don't know whether you could jury rig one of their struts. They ranged fom $15 t0 $40. Victor.

[texasz]

I was in O'Reilly Auto Parts last night getting a couple things and they found a part number for it and are looking to see if they have them or if they can get them. I'll update this post when I find out.

[Gav240z]

BTW, right now, the 240Z has NO hatch strut, and no bracket for one anymore. Love those POs....

Love the PO's .

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by texasz
I was in O'Reilly Auto Parts last night getting a couple things and they found a part number for it and are looking to see if they have them or if they can get them. I'll update this post when I find out.

When I have looked for replacement struts at Poopboys, Kragen and the like, I have found that only the struts for 260 or 280Z's are available. In other words, only the Z cars that use TWO struts to hold the hatch have been available.

The Z's using the single ("high pressure") struts are S.O.L.

[V8-240Z]

When I replaced my 71 tail gate strut (single strut car) I
bought the Dorman # C072-430 from Schucks for $19.99
It worked perfect all I had to do was drill out the bracket
on the hatch so the strut stud would fit.The Mighty Lift #
95019 from Autozone for $15.99 is also supposed to work
but I have not seen it or tried it.

[thefastestz]

I used to have one of thos cheap plastic jobs on my ZX
a few years back almost hurt myself accidently knocking it off,
when i was loading stuff.

May be you could ask Tourniqet for a strut after all i know he has a good one from my car. I don't know if he needs it though.

[beandip]

there is another source , the trailer and motor homes use these things for several diferent applications . If any body works for a motor home store or near one check this out .

[dogma420]

My 72 could use a new one,

...it's in perfect condition from the outside....

...has anyone considered rebuilding one? If so, please respond....I would think this is the cheaper route, but I've never heard of anyone taking one apart and rebuilding.....

[ZCCOR#109]

Some more insight.
Your picture shows louvers added to the hatch.

That is MORE weight to be held up. I have a BRE spoiler that added more weight. When I added the weight the cylinder would barely hold the weight and after about ?? a year it wouldn't do any holding. That was 1973-1974.

I think you would have to do considerable modification to any non standard cylinder, at the connections, to get a fit. I just use a wood dowel that I place between strut and opening. I have seen another type of modification that is a sort of thumb screw/set screw on a nut that is cut on one side and slipped on the strut rod. Anyway, I don't hold out much hope in getting a "single" strut to hold the added weight we both have. A double strut would require welding attachment points on the other side of the body and strut.

[texasz]

Louvers are a non issue for me as they are being removed from the car when I replace the hatch glass seal which came in the mail this past Friday.