Attach the correct end to the hatch.  Put the other end on the door frame
near where the strut needs to go.  Pull down on the hatch until the strut is
the correct length.  This is procedure I used when I put new struts in 2
years ago.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
'84 DL
----- Original Message -----
From: "Gregory W. Baskin" <gregbaskin@BIZ-DIRECT.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2000 1:11 AM
Subject: Installing rear hatch struts

> I just attempted to install new rear hatch struts but was unsuccessful.
The
> struts ship fully extended, and this length is longer than the distance
from
> the strut receptacle at the rear of the vehicle to the strut receptacle on
> the fully-opened hatch.  I put all my weight on the strut in an attempt to
> shorten it for installation, but I couldn't budge it.  Suggestions?
>
> Greg Baskin
> 85 Westy
> Eugene, Ore.