In a message dated 3/5/2002 12:07:14 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> Re: Rear hatch struts revisted. Why do they fail?
> 
       Struts are struts.  I have seen them with the ball at either end.  The 
most common scenario is the ball at the end of the cylinder.  Most of the 
ones I get locally have a ball that swivels and can be oriented in any 
direction.  Canadian Tire has standard duty ones for the Vanagon at $29.76 
CND each with lifetime guarantee.  One of the things that blows the struts is 
forcing it open or closed in cold weather.  Let it do its own thing and they 
will last longer.  Struts can be had in all types of strength depending on 
the load.  I got the Heavy Duty ones from the Bus Depot about 3 or 4 years 
ago and they still hold up my lid with three bikes on the bike rack.  Still a 
PITA to close the lid when the bikes are not on the rack on the hatch.  Some 
people put one heavy duty and one normal.  No problem !  And I'm sure if you 
went to the manufacturer of these struts you would find more options.  The 
struts are just hydraulic pistons that have a preload built in.  I suppose 
they could preload to any requirements.

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, May 30, 31, June 1, 2, 2002
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/CIW_English.asp">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club 
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> �
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com