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photogdave
Samba Member
Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3157
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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 Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:25 pm Post subject: Fiamma Rack and Hatch Struts |
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So, just got the Fiamma bike rack set up and of course the hatch won't stay open.
So I did a search (aren't you proud!) and read about how many here are using two of the stronger struts instead of the stock set up.
Has anyone with this rack tried the two strong strut set up? Does it work or should I find myself a nice broom stick?
My struts are pretty new and working fine BTW.
Thanks!
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[email protected]
Samba Member
Joined: April 12, 2003
Posts: 1839
Location: Englewood, FL
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 2:58 am Post subject: |
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1/2" pvc pipe, it fits like a glove over the strut. cut it just a bit under the length of the inner shaft of the sturt when fullopen. when you raise the hatch the pipe will usually slip right into place and "lock" the hatch open.
Only one side is needed and works like a charm. 2 "HD" struts I am told will hold the hatch up, but I had just bought the common HD and regular setup not too long before I decided on the rack so I have yet to actually try it.
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kevinbassplayer
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Joined: June 15, 2006
Posts: 1041
Location: Nor-Cal
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:27 am Post subject: |
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| I have the double strong Van Cafe struts but they are still not quite enough to hold the hatch open with my bike on the Fiamma rack. I also have a short piece of PVC (3/4" electrical conduit) that when put into place will hold my bike up. |
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Raynor Shine
Samba Member
Joined: November 07, 2005
Posts: 552
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:31 am Post subject: |
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| I did the same thing you did. As soon as I attached my rack, the hatch almost knocked me out it came down so fast. Van-cafe $39 I think for new struts . Stays open at any angle. Well worth it & took 10 mins to install. |
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vwjedi
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Joined: November 29, 2005
Posts: 1463
Location: G-ville, FL - hopefully on a trail.
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 7:50 am Post subject: |
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I seriously need to look into this set-up. We just did a 2000 mile round trip to NC for MTB vacation and it was a total PITA to take the bikes off everytime you want to get in the rear hatch. 
I think the PVC pipe trick will be implemented first. 
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Van-go108
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Joined: November 23, 2006
Posts: 2995
Location: Southwestern, NM
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| Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2007 8:35 am Post subject: |
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| Raynor Shine wrote: |
| the hatch almost knocked me out it came down so fast. |
Me too. I accually replaced my struts. The cold weather is still the weak link. I keep an adjustable hiking stick with me as a back up, due to being damn near knocked out once. Talk about a cheap shot from behind. 
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photogdave
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Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3157
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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fetalcastro
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Joined: June 05, 2004
Posts: 22
Location: Kamloops, BC Canada
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photogdave
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Joined: April 05, 2004
Posts: 3157
Location: Vancouver Island, B.C.
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kevinbassplayer
Samba Member
Joined: June 15, 2006
Posts: 1041
Location: Nor-Cal
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| Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:31 pm Post subject: |
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| I just looked at that photo, it looks like THEIR'S are on upside down. |
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mr_vanagon
Samba Member
Joined: March 31, 2005
Posts: 589
Location: Southern Illinois (GO SALUKIS)
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| Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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Back in college when I was more broke then I am now (seems hard to believe) I had a worn set of hatch struts and I couldn't afford to buy beer and new struts so I started carrying an old pair of vice grips in the back of the van. Clamp those on the shaft of the strut and, like magic, it stays open. Only problem I found was that people always wanted to be helpful and close the hatch for me. This usually sent the vice grips flying. In hindsight, I should have found a chunk of PVC.
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