(From downunder)
For what it's worth, I found struts for my Vanagon at EXELLENY prices from
Autohaus in Arizona . . much cheaper (even with freight to Australia) than
any aternatives.  Service was amazingly prompt.

Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Barry Muller
Sent: Friday, 20 May 2005 9:04 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Rear Hatch Material

I've had my '91 Carat for about 3 years now.   The
whole time the struts have been shot and I've been
usiing the ViseGrip method of propping the hatch open.
 Considering what I've put into the vehicle it's
embarrassing that I haven't replaced these two
relatively inexpensive itme (which I plan to do soon).

To my point: I'm amazed that those two spindly struts
can hold that hatch open!   The damn thing seems far
heavier than I'd ever guess.  I've often wondered if
it was constructed from depleted uranium!

bem