In a message dated 10/24/2002 3:16:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> This definitely beats replacing the struts, which I've done _twice_
> and they still only last about 6 months. 

       Buy good ones and they won't need replacing.  Also, do not force them 
closed as this is what blows the seals.  I've had a pair of Heavy Duty ones 
from the Bus Depot on my '87 Westy now for over four years.  They still hold 
the hatch open with four bikes on the hatch mounted bike rack.  Still a PITA 
to close with no bikes on the rack !

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, June 12 ~ 15, 2003
'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/">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