How to Make your Own GT Decklid Strut Write-up (Page 2/5)
Dennis LaGrua JUN 02, 09:34 AM
WHen choosing a lift strut careful consideration should be given to the amount of closing force required to put the deck lid down. Too hard of a lifr struct will place excesive pressure on the air grill bracket.
These are all available at autozone. Here are the part numbers that I've used:
Lift-O-Mat 92502 This is one that I have settled on as its not too stiff
Possible alternatives
Lift-O-Mat 92522
Lift-O-Mat 95112

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Tony Kania JUL 08, 02:50 AM
Bump. I plan on doing this tomorrow.
brian99 JUL 09, 11:43 AM
For Tony Kania and anyone else adding a strut in the future this may be of help.

I just finished adding one to my '87 GT.
This is the very specific information about the strut needed.

Thanks to Dennis LaGrua for helping me locate the exact to use.

The strut for those who want to get one real cheap in a salvage yard the application is:
Hood strut for a 1984 to 2008 Buick Century Wagon or Sedan, any size engine.

To get a new strut from the supplier of your choice these are the various parts numbers and suppliers and there current prices:

RockAuto
http://tinyurl.com/opf58
Application: 1985 : BUICK : CENTURY ESTATE WAGON (X) : Body
Main Category: Body-Exterior
Subcategory: Lift Support
SACHS Part # SG330003
Usage: Hood
Eyelet Tube Fitting: Locking Eyelet Rod Fitting
Length: Extended: 15"
Compressed: Length: 9"
Price: $9.81

=================
http://tinyurl.com/mmuphq
Auto Zone
Part Number: SG330003
Weight: 0.532 lbs
Description: Gas-Charged Lift Support
Extended Length: 390
Compressed Length: 240
Rod Diameter: 8
Tube Diameter: 18
Rod End Fitting: Locking Eyelet
Tube End Fitting: Eyelet
Price: $24.99

==================

Advanced Auto
http://tinyurl.com/m2ef7z
Mfgr: Strong Arm Lift Support
Part No. 4428
Extended Length: 15 3/8
Compressed Length: ?
Offer Price: $15.99
This fits: 1985 Buick Century Estate Wagon 3.0L 181CI
================

http://tinyurl.com/ny7alg
Napa
Part: Hood Lift Support
Part No: BK 8195241
Product Line: Balkamp
Price: $20.69

=====

http://tinyurl.com/lclw9v
O'Reilley
Mfgr: MIGHTY LIFT - HOOD SUPPORT (96-78 BUICK CENTURY)
Item #: 95053
Offer Price: $15.99

Brian
****************
labbe001 JUL 09, 11:51 AM
what about adding dual struts...i'm sure this wouldn't make a difference in terms of length but what about the stiffness...does anyone have any information as to what struts you would need to use for a dual strut application?
Tony Kania JUL 09, 12:30 PM
This is really one of the more informative writeups that we have at our disposal. Thanks to Chrismclubm, Dennis LaGrua, and Brian99 for the breakdown of the strut numbers. I personally used the Strong Arm Lift Support unit #4428 that I found at my local Schuck's. The writeup by Chrismclubm was spot on as far as how to do this fairly easy install. I have been using an adjustable rod for years now. Now, I have a shiney new lift strut. It has improved my life substantially. Life's possibilities are now endless.


I needed to take a pick of how I did this. I also thought that having a nut on the deck support would keep up the structural integrity. The way that I came up with also lets the strut rotate on the bolts so as not to cause the strut to bind.



------------------

[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 07-09-2009).]

Xanth JUL 09, 05:15 PM
Very nice! Excellent thread and contributions.
Dennis LaGrua JUL 09, 07:38 PM
My lift setup is similar but I preferred to retain the holding force of the rear bolt on the deck lid bracket.
I purchased a long bolt the same size of the one removed. Cut the threaded portion off and used this as a stud that screwed into the deck lid rear bracket hole. Then added a nut to secure the deck hinge bracket firmly to the deck. Then placed a washer, the strut end, another washer and finally a lock nut on the end of the stud and sized it accordingly.
On the other side I drilled a hole in the vent bracket and placed a bolt right through from the inside. Used a nut to hold this to the bracket (making it act as a stud), then added the washer, strut, another washer and lock nut on that end too. If this is not self explanatory I can post pics on request.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

chrismclubm JUL 26, 08:03 PM

quote
Originally posted by Tony Kania:

This is really one of the more informative writeups that we have at our disposal. Thanks to Chrismclubm, Dennis LaGrua, and Brian99 for the breakdown of the strut numbers. I personally used the Strong Arm Lift Support unit #4428 that I found at my local Schuck's. The writeup by Chrismclubm was spot on as far as how to do this fairly easy install. I have been using an adjustable rod for years now. Now, I have a shiney new lift strut. It has improved my life substantially. Life's possibilities are now endless.


I needed to take a pick of how I did this. I also thought that having a nut on the deck support would keep up the structural integrity. The way that I came up with also lets the strut rotate on the bolts so as not to cause the strut to bind.





Thank you for your wonderful comments, really glad I could help.

------------------
1986 GT Fiero Owner & Enthusiast
For Fiero updates, visit my site http://educatorstop15.com/fieropage.htm

ptboy55 DEC 03, 05:44 PM
This was a great writeup guys...........thanks

I used it to fashion the strut on my notchback, it fastens to the decklid the same, but I made a bracket out of angle aluminum and mounted it on the underside of the vent support.
Fieroseverywhere DEC 03, 08:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by Tony Kania:

It has improved my life substantially. Life's possibilities are now endless.




Thats quite a strut! I'm going to pick one up even though I don't have a need for it!