Mine is a 1991. They have the original struts in. Both are shot. One is
thicker than the other so one was heavy duty. I have pvc schedule 80 over
the thinner strut and pvc rigid schedule 40 over the thicker one. The
schedule 80 is the same thickness as the 40 but the center opening is
smaller by just a bit than the schedule 40, so schedule 80 fits over the
thin strut but not the thick strut. The rigid schedule 40 in my opinion is
too brittle. I plan on keeping some type of pvc in place on both sides even
after I replace the struts, as a backup (so I don't hurt my head). I'll
probably paint them in a satin black finish.

>From: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
>Reply-To: Mick Kalber <hotlava@INTERPAC.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: rear hatch struts
>Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 18:06:42 -1000
>
>So, awhile back we had this discussion about rear hatch struts... at the
>risk or re-opening this thread, can someone enlighten me on the best
>replacement for the worn out oem struts.  I have had the heavy duty ones...
>it has been mentioned, and rightfully so that they are extremely stiff...
>but I rather liked them on my 88 wolfie.  Those suckers would keep that
>door exactly where I left it every time.  But I remember someone mentioning
>putting one heavy duty and one oem strut on the hatch.  Hence, mitigating
>the difficulty of opening and closing the hatch.  From looking at the BD
>parts list it appears that they are sold singly, making the one-of-each
>idea feasible. True?
>So, is this a good idea... bad idea?
>
>TIA.
>
>Mick Kalber
>89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
>Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
>62 Halaulani Place
>Hilo, Hawaii 96720
>808-935-5557
>808-935-0066 (fax)
>hotlava@interpac.net
>www.volcanoscapes.com

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