Alternative to hatch struts?

[4gfun]

I thought I read that there was some sort of manual alternative to a hatch strut.

I don't mean a broomstick or anything like that either. Some sort of device that you can lock to keep the hatch up or something like that.

I searched around but didn't find much.

Thanks

 

[Archer Fabrications]

Not a broom stick, but a 2x4

 

[4gfun]

Not a broom stick, but a 2x4

Haha...that is why I mentioned the lock part.

2x4 is a good weapon. Seriously, I thought I remember reading about that years ago.

 

[ErikTande]

Just get some new struts. You can pick them up for around $20 at your local auto parts store.

 

[Mello]

How about a small vise grip clamped on the shaft just under the strut body?

 

[Breezio69]

Louisville slugger? Stylish, not a broom handle, also serves as a protection device. You could put a nice stain and maybe some shellac on it. But then again... that's like a $100+ fix when you could do it right for 1/2 price.

 

[4gfun]

Not a matter of price or doing it right. There was some other option available at some point and it was somewhat automated. I like to know what my options are before spending any money on any thing. I have 5 other vehicles so I have that luxury. If I can't find the option, I don't mind spending money on hatch struts. I like the idea of searching out different options. I have owned DSMs long enough to replace hatch struts 3 times.

Oh well, moot point. Just ordered some from Advance Auto. If you ever find it, please post it here.

 

[TSicktalon]

Could just have a piece of angle or whatever that bolts on at the top on a hinge. As you open the hatch, it would slide along the body until it hits a locking device, thus holding the hatch open. Have a release lever, then catch the hatch as it comes crashing down.

Or remove a few bolts and replace the struts.

 

[MachineGunSquad]

I personally used a wooden baseball bat, but I work at NAPA and my cost on the are around $23

 

[DJ Raydiate]

Not a matter of price or doing it right. There was some other option available at some point and it was somewhat automated. I like to know what my options are before spending any money on any thing. I have 5 other vehicles so I have that luxury. If I can't find the option, I don't mind spending money on hatch struts. I like the idea of searching out different options. I have owned DSMs long enough to replace hatch struts 3 times.

Oh well, moot point. Just ordered some from Advance Auto. If you ever find it, please post it here.

Are you thinking of what AZDAVE did in his green 2g Eclipse when he had it. I believe all of that was custom. He had a power antenna and hatch release linked to a remote that when he hit the remote, the hatch unlocked and the antenna pushed the hatch up until the struts took over.

 

[4gfun]

Are you thinking of what AZDAVE did in his green 2g Eclipse when he had it. I believe all of that was custom. He had a power antenna and hatch release linked to a remote that when he hit the remote, the hatch unlocked and the antenna pushed the hatch up until the struts took over.

Was thinking more along the lines of the vice grip that the other poster posted. I just wish that I could remember.

 

[Breezio69]

Vice grips are the automated alternative you were thinking of?

The only thing I could think of (don't know if its been done) would be a door popper strong enough to pop the hatch till the struts opened it... but I doubt there is anything like that. Or a spring loaded hatch (like an 80's 150lb hood)

 

[4gfun]

Vice grips are the automated alternative you were thinking of?

The only thing I could think of (don't know if its been done) would be a door popper strong enough to pop the hatch till the struts opened it... but I doubt there is anything like that. Or a spring loaded hatch (like an 80's 150lb hood)

Not really, but that was a closer analogy. I thought that the alternative got rid of the hatch struts altogether and saved weight.

When I said automated, I meant more automated than that stained baseball bat.

 

[DJ Raydiate]

If you could find something like this Hickory Hardware Bright Nickel 165 Degree Opening Euro Full Overlay Hinge-P5120-14 at The Home Depot that would be strong enough, it may work. You might need like 5 of them to support the hatch though.

 

[4gfun]

If you could find something like this Hickory Hardware Bright Nickel 165 Degree Opening Euro Full Overlay Hinge-P5120-14 at The Home Depot that would be strong enough, it may work. You might need like 5 of them to support the hatch though.

Thanks, really wish I could remember where I saw this. I am beginning to doubt myself...getting old!

 

[Kirkamus]

I use a lead pipe from my pipe bender . Sleek strong and doubles as a defense device.

 

[DJ Raydiate]

You should be able to find them at most hardware stores. They even have hinges that when you open them up they lock in place. When you close them, you have to pull/push on the pivot point in order for them to close. You could do a search for "Storage Trunk Hardware" and see what else comes up.

 

[iiNFAMOUSCHRiS]

I was interested in this also, but for a somewhat different reason, i've got brand new OEM struts on it, but they constantly pop off at the top where they connect to the hatch, one of them even smacked me in the head the other day (right after lifting it up, thankfully)

 

[91-GS]

What about something like those links that keep aluminum A-frame ladders from folding? Not exactly automated, but lightweight and can be quite stylish if are custom made. Should work even better for composite hatches.

 

[Deadspool]

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carry on.

 

[4gfun]

Thanks everyone. I just went and got new hatch struts. Of course, someone will come up exactly what I was thinking about now.

PS...appreciate the thoughts and drawings too.