Gas Struts

Trailpug · Feb 28, 2013

Hi,
Just finished building a hinged Lid for the tub of my 90 anyone got any advice on gas struts? what would suit? Lid made out of 3/4 marine ply plated with 3mm poly carbonate total weight about 25/30 kilo. Could someone also advise the best way to fit them angles and all that weird stuff?
Cheers

abcdedd · Mar 1, 2013

any pictures of what you made mate? how much did it cost you?

vilguy · Mar 1, 2013

I would find a nice easy mounting point and then order the correct output strut.

Quite often they come with a basic form of mounting plate and associated hardware. You would want some sort of load spreading plate if you mount it directly onto the tub. The ally is a bit thin and might not like having the kind of stresses involved applied to it consistently.

I would mount them as far toward the cab as you can and then approximately in the middle of your hardtop. That way you should be able to get a decent length strut which will allow the top to open quite a bit.

If you angle it right you can get it so the strut will keep the lid shut then with a little tug (oer) it will pop open.

Ive got some on my bonnet and i dont know what the exact spring rate is but it was "HHRRRRRMMPPPHHHH" strong to try and compress it

discostew38 · Mar 1, 2013

30k is about the same weight as a large family hatch back tailgate something like a mondeo should be easy to get hold of

Trailpug · Mar 2, 2013

Cheers guys with regards to the advice and where to mount it sorry for the delay shift work don,t you love it!!!!!!! i will upload some pics in the morning but the price was roughly Plywood £39.00, Edging trim £3.50 per 2 metre 4 required, poly plastic stuff 3mm bonded with alloy £55.00, Piano hinge £10.00, Toggle catches £4.00, screws and silicone what ever you find. So total was give or take a bit £122.00 if anyone wants more details let me know, pics as i said tomorrow.

Optimus Prime · Mar 2, 2013

used this firm before:

Gas Springs - Gate Closers And Self Closing Gates - Gas Struts - Dictator Direct

different application to what you are doing (smoke AOV's) but they gave good service and advice. I have no connection or affinity.

Trailpug · Mar 3, 2013

here is some photo,s of Lucy as the Boy has named her with her new lid. The only thing that has become obvious is that 19mm board is showing a slight bow. Question if i put some 5mm flat bar across the width and secure with 3/8 screws would it help to pull it flat???

baggyjim · Mar 3, 2013

Trailpug said:
here is some photo,s of Lucy as the Boy has named her with her new lid. The only thing that has become obvious is that 19mm board is showing a slight bow. Question if i put some 5mm flat bar across the width and secure with 3/8 screws would it help to pull it flat???

angle iron would be better

Trailpug · Mar 3, 2013

would 5mm do or could i get away with a bit thinner?

baggyjim · Mar 3, 2013

Trailpug said:
would 5mm do or could i get away with a bit thinner?

would use a piece of 40 x 40 x 3

Trailpug · Mar 3, 2013

cheers baggyjim

Optimus Prime · Mar 3, 2013

or get another piece of ply the same size and glue it to the underside with a lot of wood glue, laminated it will be much stronger.

can never remember the theory behind it, but two 5mm ply wood sections glued/laminated together are stronger than one 10mm section.

Trailpug · Mar 3, 2013

Cheers optimus to be honest if both will have the same effect and stop the bowing it will be the cheapest.
So which would be the best 40x40x3 angle or laminate two together, my only concern of two together is i would end up with a 38mm lid and it would be a lot more awkward to retro fit but i am up for any suggestions???

Gas Struts

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