1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

How do you remove the struts that hold the glass hatch up?

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Old 10-19-05, 12:32 PM
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How do you remove the struts that hold the glass hatch up?

Is there an easy way?
Old 10-19-05, 01:08 PM
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Originally Posted by $100T2
Is there an easy way?
There's a Botchclip that holds the strut at the end. Need to be very careful. Also you need alot of patience.
Old 10-19-05, 01:28 PM
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yeah its not that hard. I keep having to put mine on cuz my damn screw keeps coming loose

Last edited by DeRFmAn; 10-19-05 at 01:33 PM.
Old 10-19-05, 01:29 PM
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Some factory struts had the thread-in end on the top, not sure if they all came that way. If they are original, look for a clip that can be removed on the backside of the ball joint, if that is not present, you will need to use a wrench to unscrew the ball joint from the car body.
The hatch end just has an E-clip holding the pin in place.

Last edited by Rogue_Wulff; 10-19-05 at 01:31 PM. Reason: spullimg
Old 10-19-05, 10:33 PM
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Easy - at least on an -se

I just changed one of mine a week ago. Circlip on the glass end, and unscrew (i think 10mm) the little post on the end in the car. Less than 5 minutes.

Just brace up the hatch well and carefully. If it drops, your head will find out real quick (don't ask).

You want Strongarm 2709. It comes with all the necessary attachments. If you're in Canada, they just changed the part number to 4709.
Old 10-20-05, 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Whanrow
I just changed one of mine a week ago. Circlip on the glass end, and unscrew (i think 10mm) the little post on the end in the car. Less than 5 minutes.

Just brace up the hatch well and carefully. If it drops, your head will find out real quick (don't ask).

You want Strongarm 2709. It comes with all the necessary attachments. If you're in Canada, they just changed the part number to 4709.
I don't need to replace 'em, they are basically brand new from the previous owner... I need to get to the plastic piece behind 'em.

So this circlip thing... What do I do? Pop it with a screwdriver or something?
Old 10-20-05, 11:24 PM
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needlenose pliers works great, and the clip doesn't fly across the room.
Old 10-21-05, 06:42 AM
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Originally Posted by $100T2
I don't need to replace 'em, they are basically brand new from the previous owner... I need to get to the plastic piece behind 'em.

So this circlip thing... What do I do? Pop it with a screwdriver or something?
I just used a small screwdriver to lever it off. Just don't lose it - as per above it likes to fly away.
Old 10-21-05, 10:37 AM
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Is there a way to only undo the end that's not on the glass? I can't get a wrench into that spot at all. Does the glass end have to come off?
Old 10-21-05, 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by $100T2
I can't get a wrench into that spot at all.
Really. Try buying a smaller wrench. It should fit. I take em off from the yards all the time.

-Ryan
Old 10-21-05, 10:55 AM
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Get a thinner wrench.. that's what I did. The wrenches from my super-cheap tool set were thin like that. You can push the plastic and pull the strut a little bit for that extra iota of clearance.

Check pawn shops, they usually charge pennies for one wrench.

Jon
Old 10-21-05, 11:57 PM
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To answer your question, no you don't HAVE to take the glas end off. However it leaves the strut swinging around and for the sake of pulling off a little clip, just isn't worth the agravation to leave it on.

I had no trouble with and open end wrench getting to mine. If the struts have already been replaced, you may be able to take the end off without loosening the bolt on the body. I couldn't do that on the original strut, but could on the aftermarket one.
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