In a message dated 3/16/99 12:49:33 PM Pacific Standard Time,
justin@BAYAREA.NET writes:

> The rear hatch droops to a very dangerous level. Is there a way to adjust
>  the mechanisms that hold up the hatch? Or do those need to be replaced? If
>  so, can I do that myself, and where is the best place to get the parts near
>  San Francisco?
Hi Justin.  The hatch struts are not adjustable, and must be replaced.  It is
a do-it-yourself job.  The early model Vanagons had struts that pushed the
hatch all the way up, so it was always closed or completely open.  Since this
put the open hatch out of reach for short people under some conditions, VW
made a weaker strut for one side (sorry, I forget which side), so that the
hatch stays open at whatever point you let go of it.  Unfortunately, if you
add more weight to the door (camper type stuff, such as insulation, heavy
curtains, a little cargo net, etc.), and as the struts get old and gradually
weaken, the door fails to stay put.  I haven't tried it yet, but when I
replace mine I intend to get 2 of the stronger strut.  I think that they are
interchangeable, with VW only listing the right and left as seperate parts due
to the strength difference.  I recommend busdepot.com as the source for the
parts and more info.
Roger