Convertable trunk lift support replacement!
Convertable trunk lift support replacement!
Maybe the purpose of this thread is to have it stickied for the 'vert owners.
The STRONG ARM E4524 lift support found at Advance Auto/other discount parts stores WILL fit with minor modification. I just did it, heres my step by step.
Tools:
10 and 12mm open end wrenches, or whateve your preference is.
Hammer
Punch
Drill
1/4" drill bit (for metal drilling purposes)
Dremel with metal cutting discs, hacksaw may work.
Step 1 - remove the 12 mm bolt that attaches the piston end of the support to the inside of the trunk.
Step 2 - remove the 2 10 mm bolts that secure the lift to the trunk lid.
Step 3 - Use the Dremel to cut the weld that holds the bracket removed in STEP 2 to the base of the old lift. ONLY DO THIS IF THE STRUT HAS GONE COMPLETELY DEAD! Save it. Trash the old lift, all of it, minus this bracket.
Step 4 - On the tab of the bracket that you just cut, use the hammer and punch to mark a spot in the center of the tab you just cut through.
Step 5 - Drill a hole in that punched spot with a 1/4" drill bit.
Step 6 - Unscrew the bottom (not the piston end) of the NEW lift, its only hand tight.
Step 7 - Insert the newly discovered stud from the new lift through the hole you drilled and secure using a correct nut (not included with new lift... just find one).
Step 8 - re-install the newly modified bracket to the trunk lid (there is an INCORRECT way to do this - if you feel like you have to compress the strut to get it to go on, its upside down.
Step 9 - install one of the bolts supplied with the new lift into the trunk interior - same spot from step 1
Step 10 - lower the trunk lid as required and push the piston end onto the bolt from step 9.
All done! Enjoy your new trunk! Pics to follow.
You can replace both sides, but one is more than enough to hold the lid open.
Cost - 23 USD!
The STRONG ARM E4524 lift support found at Advance Auto/other discount parts stores WILL fit with minor modification. I just did it, heres my step by step.
Tools:
10 and 12mm open end wrenches, or whateve your preference is.
Hammer
Punch
Drill
1/4" drill bit (for metal drilling purposes)
Dremel with metal cutting discs, hacksaw may work.
Step 1 - remove the 12 mm bolt that attaches the piston end of the support to the inside of the trunk.
Step 2 - remove the 2 10 mm bolts that secure the lift to the trunk lid.
Step 3 - Use the Dremel to cut the weld that holds the bracket removed in STEP 2 to the base of the old lift. ONLY DO THIS IF THE STRUT HAS GONE COMPLETELY DEAD! Save it. Trash the old lift, all of it, minus this bracket.
Step 4 - On the tab of the bracket that you just cut, use the hammer and punch to mark a spot in the center of the tab you just cut through.
Step 5 - Drill a hole in that punched spot with a 1/4" drill bit.
Step 6 - Unscrew the bottom (not the piston end) of the NEW lift, its only hand tight.
Step 7 - Insert the newly discovered stud from the new lift through the hole you drilled and secure using a correct nut (not included with new lift... just find one).
Step 8 - re-install the newly modified bracket to the trunk lid (there is an INCORRECT way to do this - if you feel like you have to compress the strut to get it to go on, its upside down.
Step 9 - install one of the bolts supplied with the new lift into the trunk interior - same spot from step 1
Step 10 - lower the trunk lid as required and push the piston end onto the bolt from step 9.
All done! Enjoy your new trunk! Pics to follow.
You can replace both sides, but one is more than enough to hold the lid open.
Cost - 23 USD!
I did something similar to this. My dad had some of those strut things laying around in the garage, and they happened to be a set that were a good length to fit the trunk. I replaced them with those so when i open my trunk, it has a tendency to lift itself open. I think it's really cool. =)
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KAL797
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Aug 11, 2015 03:47 PM
