I have the pop-top lift struts and also think they were a good addition.
After a year of use they still work great and I've had no issues.  I think
that mine are from the same source as the ones on thesamba.com though I got
mine from Frank Condelli.  I got the set with the stronger struts and even
with the solar panel up top the roof lifts itself once it is released.  In
cold weather it is a bit more sluggish but in warm weather it opens up
really well.

My favorite thing about this mod is being able to release the roof and then
watch it lift itself, sometimes I demonstrate this to folks by waving my
hands out of the sliding door saying,, look look,, it lifts itself! ha ha.
Definitely worth installing if only for the entertainment factor..

Jonathan Poole

Date:    Tue, 6 Apr 2010 18:16:15 -0700
From:    Geo <ahwahneevw@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Pop-Top Lift Assist

Thanks to all who replied.  I like how his uses the existing roof
brackets as mounting points for the sheet metal connection.

I have never undone those rear brackets (left the pop-top on when I
redid the canvas) are those bolts into captive nuts?  i.e. can it be
undone/done without removing anything from the inside?

Also -- if you have this and are not carrying anything on top of the
top... do you find the 'standard' strength shock adequate?

This isn't quite a 'save my marriage' accessory but it will make me
very popular.

Geo