I don't think this thread will ever go away. You are doomed to read it
forever.

Actually "your" idea was posted a week ago with that solution coming from
Gary Lee who makes the hatch back luggage racks. But if you did not see it
then others did not also, so yours is a great reminder.

Actually I do both the new struts AND the support, but in my case because
the left strut is "upside down" one has to place it in position if there was
a heavy load like bikes or whatever on my luggage rack on the hatch.
Formerly it would slide into position as you indicated, and was convenient
with faulty struts. But this way I have the best of both options.

But I like to be able to open the hatch at any position now to perhaps shade
us from the glaring sun or whatever.

William

Subject: EVERYONE READ THIS..hatch strut supports

> everyone who is sick of this thread do the following...and there will
NEVER
> be any more failed hatch struts EVER..
>
> go to your hardware store.
>
> buy a section of PVC pipe, 1" in dia.
>
> cut it into sections 8" long.
>
> remove the circlip at the bottom of your hatch strut where it meets the
body
> of the van.
>
> slide a 8" section of 1" dia PVC pipe over the hatch strut.
>
> gravity will make the PVC pipe fall into place, bracing the hatch, keeping
> your hatch struts perfect FOREVER...
>
> you dont need to remove it when you close your hatch, just give it a tap,
and
> it will move out of the way allowing your hatch to close.
>
> cost? however much a 8" long section of cheap 1" dia PVC pipe costs..
>
> do this..and there will be no more hatch strut threads...there will be no
> more failed hatch struts....Busdepot will go out of business from lost
hatch
> strut sales...(jk ron  ;<)
>
> thanks to Karl Bloss for this ingenious idea..
>
> chris