Howdy,

I've had poor results searching on this topic.

My car is brutally original which I like a lot and I want to keep the hatch wiper. I have replaced the left hatch strut/shock and now it holds the hatch window which is all I really want.

But, is there a proper solution for replacing the right/wiper strut? After examining it my guess was it's a special part for wiper systems only and the end comes off it so the electrical pieces can be dealt with. Is it a special part? Can it be "re-charged"?

Thanks,
Seamus

 

Oddly enough, this same question was asked last week. That strut is no longer available. They cannot be recharged that I know of, it would require a rebuild with new seals. If the other one holds the hatch up, hang on to the electric one. You will probably need to replace the left side more often.

 

I had the same concern for mine.

For my weak struts, I purchased a device that hold the hatch up by using a simple rod. This rod lays nearly flat alongside the strut, and drops into a 'locking ' position when the hatch is raised. It has a light spring load feature so it goes into place correctly every time.

I may have gotten it from JCW. Inexpensive and works great!!

Capt Murph

 

Stongarm part # 2709. may be renumbered to #4709. If you make sure the instructions are in the package, it clearly describes modifying the new strut to exactly match the functionality of the original.

 

Good to know, I didn't think they could be modified to work.

 

Yup, the only thing it doesn't really cover in the instructions is getting some heat shrink tubing to hold the wiring along the length of the strut. In my case, that's important to me as I want my car 100% original. If you didn't care, you could just wrap it in electrical tape.

 

Wow, that's great. Thanks!

 

How difficult was it to modify the strut?

 

I just installed StrongArm struts and on a scale of 1 to 10 it was a 2.

Removing the eyelet to thread the electronics was the 'hardest' thing to do. I just wrapped the rod in cloth and held it tight in a vice to keep it from spinning while unscrewing the eyelet.

 

you do have another option. snap-on sells a tool that clamps onto the strut and holds it into position. kind of looks line a brake line cutting tool. i think it sells for like $25. you should look into it. they work wonders!!!

 

I really dislike the way rear wipers look on these cars.
I put a 79 rear window on mine and had the sprayer shaved off the roof.

 

 

Here is what I purchased from JC Whitney, only $9.99. The rear wiper is usless anyways, take it off and just fill the holes with the caps!

 

^^^ That is the locking bar that I tried to describe. Thanks John.
I am very pleased with the way it fits and operates. Only one is required.

 

very helpful, thanks

 

Very good to know Mine are getting weak as well and I want to keep the car looking stock.

 

When I purchased my car the previous owner had purchased two new struts without the window wiper components but had not put them on. I used the parts off the old strut. Hardest part was removing from the old strut (sawsall). New struts had screw on ends. A liittle shrink wrap and it looks and works great.