> I just bought hatch struts from NAPA and they failed after about a week.
> They only hold the door half-way open. I'm going back today to see about
> replacement.

There's always the 8-3/16" long 3/4" PVC pipe trick.  See:

http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/hatch.jpg

The PVC pipe can stay where it is when you close the hatch and it just falls
into place when lifting the hatch.

If you see us at a show or campout, say hi and ask for one...I usually keep
some spares with me to give away.

-Karl

Karl and Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'87 Westfalia Weekender  "Beverley" - 187K miles
VW Mechanic list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops
Busses by the Trail - Oct 15-17, 1999: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/bbtt
PA/NJ Vanagon owner's mailing list: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/pavanagon