Trunk/Boot gas supports

[Elanlover]

Has anyone attempted this? What I mean is replacing the torsion bars that run across the back wall of the trunk/boot (whose purpose is to hold the lid up) with a gas strut? I'd very much like to do this as part of some mods I'm planning. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Sy V]

Blimey Blair!
I honestly wouldn't know where to start.

[lotusgirlmarie]

There would only be a couple points to attach said struts that would be structually sound and none would be as elegant as the torsion springs. I had given this a substantial amount of thought a few years back and came to the conclusion that it would be near impossible to fabricate a system that would be as unobtrusive.

[Sy V]

Blair

It's very early to dismiss this out of hand but, if Marie's already 'been there' and decided against it (and we know how skilled she is with these things), I'm pretty sure it may be too much effort.

[Specky]

I have gas struts on the Volvo 850, if you want a photo for ideas just give the word.

TTFN

[Elanlover]

Thanks for the replies folks. I really want to make this happen as I'd like to install a shallow mount the subwoofer against that wall which will then let me move some other stuff. Dave, pics would be great thanks! With the quick look I've had I was thinking that a small strut (still need to figure out what length) could be attached with a plate at the points marked in the picture.

[bobbrown]

I too have thought about this as my boot does not stay open very well.
As space is limited and getting a gas strut in is going to be tricky how about a pair of torque springs

constant torque springs.jpg

Taking the right hand drawing you bolt the bit on the left to the half of the hinge that supports the trunk/boot and then just needs a peg on the fixed bit
They come in different spring rates but only the thickness of the spring varies and if one spring is not enough just add another.

I have a spare trunk/boot hinge so will take a look when I find it to see if it fits.

FYI: a middle of the range spring runs on a R3 of 31.75 mm with a RA of 99mm and exerts a force of 28.5 kg/cm add another and you double this figure.

Bob

[Elanlover]

Ok, I've been exchanging some e-mails with a company who makes struts and brackets. I'm going to move this to a project thread as I'm determined to see if this can be made to happen. No guarantees it will though! If not then I my have to look at Bob's suggestion as an alternative.

[Sy V]

See here.

This thread may be best locked now Blair. What do you think?

[Elanlover]

Done and done