ed said

>PO was in Florida, west of Orlando, when he got the plastic piece that
>extended the useful life of the original hatch openers.  I cannot find a
>suitable replacement anywhere.  Anyone have a source for this piece which
>bolts onto the metal rod and has a 5 inch plastic piece that you press
>against the rod and lower the hatch until the top piece of the hatch
>opener is stopped.  Should sell for less that $10.
>
>Assuming that I may not get a chance at the cheap fix I have priced new
>hatch openers and I would like some sage advise based on the following
>options
>
>VW Stabillis at Camelback AZ 1 yr warranty$41.85 X 2, no tax, $5 ship = 88.70
>Strong Arms at local VW shop, 6 mo. warranty	$39.95 X 2, 6% tax = 84.69
>Monroe at FLAPS	, 2 yr warranty		$28.75 X 2, 6% tax= 60.95
>
>Any reason not to do the Monroe which I understand are gas openers with
>the longest warranty?   Seems like a slam dunk unless someone got burned.

I just bought a pair of the stabilus from volks cafe for $25.00 each. you
can reach them through their homepage at http://www.volks-motorsports.com

the other piece you mentioned is available from J.C. Whitney for $6.99.
Part number 13BD4688T.They call it a Lift Support Repair Bracket

Don Kane
dkane@mail.arc.nasa.gov