I plan to do both. Struts and the support just in case. Just ordered two
from GoWesty & may pick up a spare set from a list member.

I could not get BD web site up to check prices. What did you pay and what
was shipping? I find BD shipping excessive. I paid twice what I could have
sent it for on my last order. that's taking advantage on the back end in my
opinion.

Thanks for the info. Looking forward to your reply if you can remember what
you paid.

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE
----- Original Message -----
From: "John McLean" <jaymac@INTERNETCDS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2002 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: Rear hatch strut support

> > I just heard from Gary Lee re: the rear hatch strut support.
> >
> > PVC Electrical conduit, or similar.  3/4" ID, about 1" OD 8" long.
Remove
> > bottom mount, slide over left strut & reattach. (Or right strut if left
> > handed.)
> >
> > Just found mine & It works like a charm. It took me a while to figure
out
> > that I had to open the hatch all the way to re-attach the strut after
> > putting the support onto it.
> >
> > William
>
> Why not just buy a set of new struts from the B.D.?   They are so strong
for
> the first year or so that children or average
> women can't get the hatch down.   Then they settle down to normal.  I've
had
> mine for several years now and I'm still satisfied.
> If they fail in the next year or two I will buy another pair and not
> complain.
>
> John McLean   87  Vanagon  GL