Hi Volks;
It was sunny and 60 here in MA today.  The poptop struts I ordered from Mark/Jack Bombay arrived and so I figured, what the heck, I might as well try the install.  Now I have to tell you that I am not a great mechanic and my eyes are crap (not as bad as yours Eric), but it had to be done.  2 coat hangers gave up their intended purpose to get the 20 1/16 measurement Mark called for. I agonized over way too much.  The install was easy and quick. although it was handy having an extra pair of hands (thanks Diane).  If you have not done this mod, you should.  It takes a lot of pressure off the mechanism, closing is a breeze as the top stops just before closing so one can gather up all the canvas so it stows correctly.  My 5'4", 130lb wife can put the top up by herself, and my springs are long gone, with just a little push by me at the end due to her height.  One thing though. if you do not carry anything on the top, go with the "regular" struts,  Otherwise you might be swinging from the cross bar to close it.
One other thing for list members.  Buy your struts directly from Jack Bombay.  Van Cafe deals Marks struts, but Mark makes a little extra when one gets them directly from him, and he is the "original" inventor/designer, and we should treat him well.  I know, Van Cafe gives you cookies, but we, as list members, need to do the right thing and get them directly from Jack Bombay.   
Disclaimer: Van Cafe folks are great and they get their cookies from a local vendor, which helps the community.

Dave B.