When you take it apart, you will see how the two items are interacting with
each other.  One is a pipe, the other is a 1/8 thin metal, being around the
pipe.  The pipe gets cut slowly.  To have that cutting stop, one can insert
nylon over the pipe and assemble the two with it.  Or anything that helps
for a long time.  Nylon does not get worn much with friction.  The thicker
the better.  As I remember, I cut some plastic bottle up for it.  But if the
pipe has deep cut, it must be welded up and straightened first.
Zoltan

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon
Sent: Tuesday, August 06, 2013 8:34 AM
To: thewestyman
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Lift Mechanism 84 Westy

"One can install a thin plastic material to stop the cutting-in and make the
lifting easier. "

Go on... I think I missed this discussion.

Sent from my 1963 aqua blue 702B Western Electric Princess phone.

On Aug 6, 2013, at 12:29 AM, thewestyman <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET> wrote:

> Probably the worst reason why it's hard to lift is, that the two items
> that
> work against each other in the process of lifting, has cut into each
> other.
> Sometimes cut right through.  Upon disassembly one can see the damage.
> It's a simple mechanism.  One can install a thin plastic material to stop
> the cutting-in and make the lifting easier.  Sometimes the cut-in is not
> very deep, can be welded up, smoothed down by grinding it.  But in any
> case
> that are has to be fixed to be able to re-use again.
> Any strengthening of the spring is helpful.  Though there is the option to
> install struts.
> Zoltan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gary Meier
> Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 7:47 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Lift Mechanism 84 Westy
>
> Does anyone know of a way to rebuild/re-tension the built in lift assist
> on
> an 84 Westy pop top. I can hardly get the pop top up by myself.
> Gary Meier