I didn't look at the thread you point to but I did this repair. Yes indeed,
IMO, you need functioning springs even if you have lift assists.
Here's what I did.
https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/PopTopStrutCableAndSpringEtc

On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, PB <pbrattan@gmail.com> wrote:

> Hi,
> I recently got my lift assist struts installed, and learned that I have a
> broken spring.  Although I am able, for the very first time, to raise and
> lower the pop top, it's slightly harder than it should be, due to the
> broken spring.  When I close the pop top, one side as about a half inch
> higher than the other.  It was suggested that the good spring be disabled,
> and that I get stronger lift assist struts, but according to the thread in
> TheSamba, that might make it more difficult to raise or lower the pop top!
> In any event, I now have light, medium, and heavy duty struts to try out
> with one good spring, and return the struts I don't use.
>
> This issue is thoroughly discussed in a thread on TheSamba
> <http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=426152>.  It seems that
> it IS possible to repair the broken spring or cable, but the part that is
> needed is NLA.  I actually don't fully understand the repair, but someone
> will probably be able to explain it to me at a meetup this weekend.
>
> Has anyone had experience with a broken poptop spring, or had one
> repaired?  It would be great if I could find a shop to repair it, of I knew
> exactly which part to look for.  I live in Los Angeles.
>
> Patti
> 90 Westy Automatic
> Los Angeles
>
> --
>
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Neil n

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