Interest in restoration of rear hatch gas springs>>>

[ZR1Vette]

Over period of years I have heard many talk about the slow failure of the rear glass hatch gas springs (struts) and a desire to repair or replace the struts (I fall into the category too). Basically, the glass hatch should rise to full open position when the hatch latch is released...many do not do that...rather the hatch opens slightly then to go to full open you have to assist. NCRS types would fail the functionality test and for others just an inconvenience.

Lift Support Technologies (LST) in Canada in one of the few (if not the only) companies that will restore the original unit back to OEM specs...yes you can get replacement gas struts, but they are obviously not OEM and there are visual differences between them and OEM.

Regular price by LST for gas spring (they call them 'springs' instead of 'struts') restoration is $85.00 per spring and they also provide a gas recharge service of $45.00 which is generally not recommended since in most cases the reason of the failing spring performance is failing seals which would be replaced under the restoration process but not in the recharge only process.

I have talked to LST about a "group purchase" and here is what they have offered:

You supply your OEM gas springs and they will discount restoration to $65.00 PER gas spring (aka the cost for 2 springs would be $130.00). Shipping from you to LST is on your nickel and shipping from LST back to you is in the cost of the discounted base rate of $65 per spring.

To get this group discount (about 25% off) we will need minimum of 5 confirmed orders (meaning 5 different people sending 1 or 2 or more gas springs).

I will be participating (no, I do not get additional discounts etc for setting up...pay the same like everyone else :handshak:) so I am gauging interest to see if we can get a total of 5 or more interested. If this is the case, I then can confirm with LST and those participating will get specific instructions on shipping (remember company is in Canada so there are some "special" things we can do for shipping purposes). Once LST receives the gas spring it is a 3 day turn around then shipped back to you.

Let me know...and please if you commit please treat it as an obligation since our discount is dependent upon a GROUP purchase minimum.
Thanks

[bobbyhi]

I am interested in doing this. Maybe a little more info regarding the shipping???

[DaveK]

I always thought that the hatch was only supposed to open part way. Shows what I know :o

[DMark]

I am interested in doing this. Maybe a little more info regarding the shipping???
Same question here.

Would hate for "Big Sis" to stop them at the border as suspected WMDs.....

http://i47.tinypic.com/10h6gbs.jpg

[Aurora40]

How much are the replacements for comparison? If this is in the ballpark, count me in. Mine barely pops up at all when I hit the release.

[GOLDCYLON]

The replacements struts that the parts house sell are about $90 shipped for a pair so for the NCRS crowd this is a pretty good solution. I do not know what the differerence are besides the rubber/foam anti rattle sleeves and the rear defroster mount points needs to be transfered to the replacement units. I suggest leaving the foam sleeves at home when sending your stut in to avoid getting it lost as they just slide off. (would be hard buggers to replace if lost is all Im saying)

My biggest suggestion for those members that are doing this is to make sure you either have an assistant or a block of wood (Or a block headed assistant) to hold the rear hatch glass while your removing or installing the rear glass struts. The glass is a significant amount of weight to crash down on your head or various body parts. The strut retention clips come out real easy. I use a small flat head jewelers screw driver to "Pry" the clips out of their locking postions. The stut ends simply release at this point.

Just some thoughts GC

[xlr8nflorida]

I always thought that the hatch was only supposed to open part way. Shows what I know :o

I've owned 4 C4's and thought the same. :confused:

So you hit the button and the glass opens up to the full position without any help??

Replacement parts:


www.corvettecentral.com
p/n - 414295L -left
414295R

414326

$80 for a pair

www.mamotorworks.com
p/n 604-141 -left
604-142 -right
600-280 -set
Noted as being GM parts

[Z51JEFF]

I was always under the impression the OEM parts were still out there,might have to get an extra pair.And yes,when you hit the button the glass opens fully with no help.

[ZR1Vette]

Maybe I should start this thread over...I was aware of aftermarket gas springs, but was trying to help the cause for those who wanted to maintain their OEM parts. Guess only those really into NCRS would see value in this since aftermarket gas springs will run about $40 less (for two) than going the route of restoration of the OEM ones. Now with that said it dawned on me that exactly what is the original OEM gas springs...I am reluctant to state that the ones on my ZR are original simple due to 'I do not know'... so maybe lets look at what each of you have (unless you already know you have aftermarket)... the two gas springs on my ZR have these markings and no other>>
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/RearHatchGasSpringonZR1.jpg

Now if you look at the Mid America Motorworks unit they look like this...not really readable but obviously a lot more markings/lettering>>
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/Rearhatchgasspringaftermarket.jpg


And the CC aftermarket units...different from the Mid America Motorworks units in markings>>
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/RearHatchgasspringaftermarketCorCen.jpg


What markings do the units on your ZR-1 have??

[xlr8nflorida]

Good Post, I'll check mine out later today :cheers:

[bobbyhi]

Seeing that mine is hardly a NCRS car, I will save the extra $$$ and get from Mid-America. Thanks............

[jrd1990zr1]

I have an OEM set on my red Z. I'll try to post a photo.

I may be interested in having a pair restored. Exactly what does a restoration include. Do they repaint and stencil the barrels? I noticed some surface problems under the paint.

I may also have a set from an early 1986 C4 which I may also consider would they count.

Sorry for all the questions, John :cheers:

[xlr8nflorida]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/RearHatchGasSpringonZR1.jpg

I have a 1990 ZR-1 and my struts look exactly like yours :cheers:

[vettn71]

I'm in. My 90 works sometimes, sometimes not. I need to do a PV next year and bad struts would screw the pooch

Jim

[tomtom72]

I just replaced mine. I will take some pictures later today of the ones that came off which I believe are factory and the replacements I bought from CC.

A word about the replacements, they are not really left and right...they are one size fits both sides and as a result the electrical connection at the right strut does not face the correct direction. The wire from the window grid will eventually break off the grid due to this....well mine did anyway and it's going to be a real PIA to re-solder it to the grid. You will have to add some wire length, not much but some to relieve the strain from the spade connector being on the wrong side of the strut.

:cheers:
Tom

[jrd1990zr1]

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/RearHatchGasSpringonZR1.jpg

I have a 1990 ZR-1 and my struts look exactly like yours :cheers:

My 1990 also has the same struts :cheers:

[ZR1Vette]

I have an OEM set on my red Z. I'll try to post a photo.

I may be interested in having a pair restored. Exactly what does a restoration include. Do they repaint and stencil the barrels? I noticed some surface problems under the paint.

I may also have a set from an early 1986 C4 which I may also consider would they count.

Sorry for all the questions, John :cheers:

Questions are good!
Basically a rebuild of the internals (seals, piston etc), replace bent rod (if it is in such condition) and recharging. I do not believe they re-stencil.

Absolutely yes to 86 C4 gas springs....will include

Michael

[ZR1Vette]

Looks like we only have 4 of us interested (DMark, Aurora40, Vettn71 and me)... we are shy by one for the minimum. If you all confirm again your interest I will chat with LS Technologies folks and see if they would hold the discounted price for us. Let me know...

[Z51JEFF]

I just bought a new OEM set from the dealer for $120.Those looking for the cheap replacements need to know some places sell a strut while the OEMs are left and right.With the short plug wires for the defroster its next to impossible to get the plug to reach the connector on the non specific strut.

[xlr8nflorida]

I just bought a new OEM set from the dealer for $120.Those looking for the cheap replacements need to know some places sell a strut while the OEMs are left and right.With the short plug wires for the defroster its next to impossible to get the plug to reach the connector on the non specific strut.

Jeff I got my set for 117 but it does not have the blue writing GS etc.
Does yours have the writing on them?

Also did yours go in without an issues or were they different then factory?

I'm deciding on whether to return them or not.

[ScottZ95ZR1]

I just bought a set from the dealer a few weeks ago and they do not have the blue GS logo markings either. I have not installed them yet.

[xlr8nflorida]

I just bought a set from the dealer a few weeks ago and they do not have the blue GS logo markings either. I have not installed them yet.

I have a return RMA number on mine. They are very nice and in GM wrapper.
I just wanted the originals. I've decided to just live with my factory ones.

There is a set available but who knows if it still has a charge. I don't want to lay out $150-$175 to find out they go dead in a few months. I'd rather recharge my originals one day when I start driving the car more.

[Z51JEFF]

Jeff I got my set for 117 but it does not have the blue writing GS etc.
Does yours have the writing on them?

Also did yours go in without an issues or were they different then factory?

I'm deciding on whether to return them or not.

I just looked at these and they have blue writing down by the round bumper,writing is in a circle,not length wise and dont say GS or Gas Spring anywhere on the strut..These are left-right so they should go right in.I gave my originals away,had I known somebody wanted them I would have offered them here for the shipping charge.