Fizzpop

Anyone know where to find the hatch struts replacements with the wiper? the left strut is on websites for sale but I cant find the right side strut that has the wiring for the wiperv

907RotaryFB

Same question here. Looks like you might be able to pull the electrical connector parts off and put them on a regular strut, is this true?

Rx7fb spirit r

I only changed the left side with a stronger one. Works really good since 9 years.

Kizmit99

I replaced the struts in my '83 GSL last year.
I ordered and used these from amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HOLSLZO
I was able to transfer the original wiring for the defrost and rear wiper from the original.
I did have to cut the end off the original to get the connector off it, and made a small, approx 1/2", spacer out of aluminum to position it correctly on the new strut.
Also bought some heat-shrink tubing to control the wires (as in the original construction).
I used this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TBHDNHY
but would recommend getting some that is Black instead of Clear.

Toruki

What he said^^^

Here's a shot of how I did it...

raven12aFB

I replaced them with a $22.00 dollar pair from 3bay and the work perfect......

My hatch had a wiper and a friend that had a GSL-SE somewhere down the road the hatch got broken and replaced with a no wiper one.. I didn't like the wiper in the hatch so we swapped them. ..mine got to wiper now and his does ......

Also I removed the defrost wiring.....I don't use it anyways....because window tint.....

Fizzpop

Ok, So where I am at now is I have both old struts off of the car and new ones on it but I am trying to figure out how to get these connectors off. Its okay to cut the aluminium part right? Im asking just because I know these have pressurized gas but maybe that's only in the black tube part. Anyways whats with the 1/2" spacer? Shouldn't the screw that tightens the top part of the electrical contraption keep it on?

thanks

Kizmit99

Cutting the end off the shaft that connects to the glass is safe (no pressure there) - it's just a steel shaft. I would suggest using a cutoff wheel to cut the shaft.
I know I took some pics, but I can't locate them right now.
if I recall correctly, the shaft on the replacement struts was a smaller diameter than the original, so the clamp on the original connector wouldn't grip the new shaft?
I will try to remember to get some pics of the assembled spacer tomorrow to show you exactly what I was talking about.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

May be a little late, but to avoid all the cutting and modifying, Strutwise out of Canada can rebuild your original struts as long as the shafts aren't gouged or damaged. Sent two pair in last year and plan on sending 2 more this winter. Just an option that bolts right back in.

https://strutwise.com

Kizmit99

Out of curiosity, how much did they charge for the refurb?
I see their website faq says that generally it's half the cost of replacing them - if true, that would seem like a good option.
But I suspect they charge quite a bit more than the $30 I paid for the replacement pair.
Still, seems like it could be a good option for those wanting to keep the originals.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

It was $35 a piece to re-service each strut. There is also shipping to and from Canada to figure in. But, you are still using the original struts w/o any modifications.

Kizmit99

Here's a pic of my replacement, with the spacer in place:


I measured the original shaft, and the replacement, they are both the same size (0.312"). However, the screw clamp (on mine at least) does not affix the connector firmly to the shaft. It slides easily, even when fully tightened? So I made the spacer to go between the connector and the shoulder on the end of the shaft. It simply keeps the connector from being pushed further back on the shaft. If your clamp holds the connector firmly in place, perhaps you wouldn't need a spacer?

Best of luck with the update!

jkmcafee

Glad to hear about the Strutwise option. I hope the vice grips I've used to hold the hatch up hasn't ruined my shafts! Had no idea those could be rebuilt!