>Hi Gang

>Well, I got my Bus Depot parcel last night and so now I've got a few more
>things on my list of things to do for this weekend for my 86 Westy. I'm a
>bit of a newbie at this and I'm hoping to get a bit of advice from all the
>great folks out there. I got a couple of rear hatch struts to replace my
>very droopy ones. Like viagra for my van I guess, and I wonder if I need
>special tools or if there's any special technique to do the exchange.

As I recall, the top of the strut just pops off.  The bottom end is attached by a clip or pin that's not too hard to figure out.  Just remember to support the hatch so it doesn't hit you in the head when you remove the strut!

>Also got a couple of window cranks and these look like they just pop in to
>the shaft: does that mean I just pop the old ones out? I can't see any
>screw, or other retaining device, can someone help please.

There should be a screw under the plastic trim.  I haven't had the window cranks off of a Vanagon, but on many other VW's you pull the plastic trim off, revealing a metal crank with a screw holding the crank to the shaft.  Remove the screw and the crank comes right off.

Bill

            I thank you in advance for all your comments.

            AP in Toronto