Hatch Strut Prop safety device

JunkYarDog · Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 9:04 pm Post subject: Hatch Strut Prop safety device

I have a problem with my hatch struts when it gets cold. So I decided to do something about it short of replacing them. This is a section of 3/4 inch conduit that is cut to a length about an eighth of an inch shorter than the piston. Then slotted slightly smaller than the piston diameter. Once it is installed it fits with the hatch closed and when you open the hatch, just slide it in place and it drops right where it needs to be. This is a simple back up to hold weak struts.

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geo_tonz · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 1:33 am Post subject:

Yes, I have had a chunk of PVC that does this job on my batch for 4 years now. Finally just ordered new struts.
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Timwhy · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 5:02 am Post subject:

Did you try to put the PVC over the strut before you took a slice out of it? I use the same PVC and just
cut to length and removed the strut and it slipped over the base. I have fairly newish struts but want
to make sure that they don't close my hatch when I use my new BD rear hatch shelter. I plan on using
it to store gear and maybe also a solar shower room. In this video you can see the struts not keeping
the hatch up, this is where the support will come in handy!!

Link

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morymob · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 5:45 am Post subject:

Have to be big enuf to slide over strut main sect also.

Timwhy · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 6:36 am Post subject:

geo_tonz · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 12:02 pm Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 12:12 pm Post subject:

No need to cut the slot if the right diameter PVC is used.

Gary Lee posted how to do this many many moons ago.

photogdave · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 12:32 pm Post subject:

I used to have this but the PVC started rubbing the paint off inside the hatch when it bounced around. I would cover it with foam or something if I did it again.
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geo_tonz · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 12:39 pm Post subject:

Jake de Villiers · Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 1:54 pm Post subject:

I bought two of the 'strong' struts from Van Cafe and they are perfect for holding up the hatch with the Paulchen rack installed. They will also hold the lid in any position which can be useful.
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NZer · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 8:13 am Post subject:

Very McGyver!
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Syncronicity · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:06 am Post subject:

Stopping at Lowes today for some things, but don't have the van with me. Is 3/4" pvc the right size to slide over the strut? Approx how long a piece will I need? Our struts work well in the summer, but are very weak when its cold. Thanks
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WestiCoast · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:20 am Post subject:

I do this very regularly to vehicle hood struts(not my cars). 3/4" works on almost all the struts I have come across. Just measure the length of the body of the strut and the length of the shaft of the strut. Use whichever measurement is shorter. And I just pop one end off instead of cuting down the length of the PVC. Be carefull with the hatch up. If you bump it, its going to come down.

dubbified · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 9:36 am Post subject:

oooow..

Me like.

+ cheap mod..

Way to go!

Timwhy · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:32 am Post subject:

Syncronicity · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:51 am Post subject:

PDXWesty · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 10:58 am Post subject:

More than a few posts already on this. One says 1/2" PVC fits perfect.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=271526&highlight=hatch+pvc

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=245861&highlight=hatch+pvc
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JunkYarDog · Posted: Wed May 01, 2013 10:26 pm Post subject:

Sorry I've been away from this for a bit... But I did cut a slot lengthwise in the PVC pipe. The slot is about 10mm wide. The good thing about the slot is if I forget remove the pipe before I try to close it it simply spreads open enough to release itself, I discovered this by accident. It took a good tug to do it but it just popped and was free. As for size, 3/4" pipe and length was cut to fit at full extension.
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I have never owned a VW I didn't like, but there have been a few Fords and Chevy's.
85' GL Sunroof
68' Beetle sedan
72' Chevy C10 (LWB Step)
(67' Volvo 122S pending)

pjackman · Posted: Fri May 03, 2013 5:16 pm Post subject:

Here is an excellent solution for a sagging tailgate hatch. It's a short section of square aluminum tubing with one of the corners sawed off. It came with my Paulchen bike rack. One of these on one of the struts holds the hatch open when it's loaded with 2 bikes.

shagginwagon83 · Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2022 7:02 am Post subject: Re: Hatch Strut safety device

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5532479

This thing holds your VW Vanagon rear hatch open.

WARNING: use at your own risk. I would recommend using ABS or maybe PETG. I am currently testing with PETG and everything seems fine.

When in doubt use two. This might be obvious but don't try to slam down the hatch when this is installed - get in a habit of checking to see if they are installed before closing your hatch.

If your rear hatch won't stay open (especially in the cold) then you should buy new hatch struts and replace them. Your local auto parts store probably has them and it's a 30 min job to replace.

However, some of you have shenanigans (Gary Lee hatch racks, bike racks, spare tires, etc). on your hatch, then you need one of these to place over the strut to lock it.

You will need to size/scale this to your needs.
I personally have the Lift Depot HD struts - so this was modeled perfectly to fit those struts. If you want to print this, I recommend measuring your strut and scale/modify the model as necessary.

On my Gary Lee rack, I have a spare wheel, gas carrier with 2.5 gallons of gas, and recovery boards. When it is hot outside, I don't need to use this piece. However, during the colder times, I do need to use it.

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