I'm trying to replace the rear window struts on my 79 sa. the monroe replacements i have are a little too long to accommodate the rear window defroster connectors that are mounted on them. is there a better direct replacement? or a good way to make these work? I haven't been able to find a bushing that would make it work yet. figured someone here has already dealt with it. my '84 didn't have these, they realized it was a bad idea by then.

 

I believe what folks are doing is having then rebuilt to maintain the defrost. There was a thread a few months back talking about a company that rebuilds them.

 

yeah, I saw that thread after posting this, but it's too late, I already cut the shafts to get the contacts off. and I don't really want to spend $90 on the struts anyway. I need to make it work. a sleeve or bushing would do the trick, but I can't find one the correct size. a piece of tubing could work, but again can't find the right size.

 

Try Ace Hardware if a piece of tubing/bushing would work. I didn't think there was any way to put a bushing on. Is the end of the current strut removable?

 

the yoke on the replacement unscrews so it's possible to install the connectors, but there's about an inch gap between the connectors. Ace didn't have anything, and I even tried to source a bushing unsuccessfully on line and at fastenall. looks like I'll have to fabricate something. a 3d printer would come in handy right about now. not ready to go the duct tape route yet. I'll figure it out, but I thought someone here might have a quick fix.

 

a one inch piece of 5/16 clear vinyl hose from ace hardware did the trick, along with an O-ring on the other side to keep it in place

 

Can you post pictures of your Handy Work ....Please ...

 

For future people in need of specific sized bushings (plastic or brass bearings, self oiling or not)

Here's a few links to sites that have stock english and metric sizes, also you can configure your own.

https://us.misumi-ec.com/vona2/mech/...stic%20bearing

https://www.mcmaster.com/plastic-bearings

https://www.igus.com/

 

 

Do you have the make/model number of the struct you bought?

 

the tubing wasn't quite wide enough to get a snug fit, so the O-ring holds it in place. thanks for the bushing links.

 

Monroe #901746 from rock auto