Hi all,
I recently installed a Fiamma carry all bike rack on my 1986 vanagon,
and like it a lot. Definitely light weight, well designed and well
made. I can finally feel comfortable about transporting bikes on the
outside and family inside - instead of both inside - so lots of bike
trips planned!

Anyway, as I expected, my rear hatch will not stay up with the empty
rack installed. I would like to keep the rack attached to the van as
much as I can, but I need the rear hatch to be functional.

Can I get non-stock struts that will work? Or do I need a spacer-type
tube that will slip on one of the struts and "lock" it open?

Any advice you all can give me will be much appreciated. Thanks.

-Dan Borden, Brookline, MA
1986 Syncro Westy Weekender.