I'd agree with this.  I got the struts to help me get the top up.  I
thought I'd be wanting heavy-duty struts since I have *no* upper body
strength.  Mark said the standard ones should be sufficient, and they
are.  I do have to grab the latch and nearly pull myself off the floor
to get the top started on its way down (and I'm not light ... 150
pounds).  I would probably have to add diving weights if I had the
heavy-duty struts!

I find that once the top is nearly down, it's happy to wait there
until I can make sure the canvas is properly arranged before latching
it.

B&S
'87 Westy 'Esmerelda Blanc'
SoCal

On Sep 7, 2008, at 6:38 PM, Joy Hecht wrote:

> ...
>
> But for those considering putting these on vans for folks with poor
> upper
> body strength, you should definitely bear in mind the possible
> difficulties
> closing the top - it takes a lot more strength than without the
> struts, even
> with a kayak on the roof.
>
>
>
> Joy