Stronger Struts

Post by **rustyundchen** » 20 Nov 2006, 23:01

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can offer me some advice regarding my struts for the tailgate on my VW T25.

The problem is I have a bike rack fitted on the back (was on when i bought it) and the extra weight means you have to prop up or hold up the tail when you open the back. This is clearly not the best if i want to access the engine on my own. I was going to remove it but it might come in useful as me and the g/f both do a lot of cycling.

Can anyone suggest a supplier of stronger struts that might help me here perhaps someone who also has a rack fitted.

Thanks again

Russell.

Post by **shepster** » 21 Nov 2006, 08:58

Standard new ones will do the job, Simon, Main dealer or in fact Ebay will provide these for around £24 a pair. They will hold the tailgate up with a bike rack on too.

Post by **rustyundchen** » 21 Nov 2006, 10:13

Thanks for the advice and I have seen the advert on ebay.

Is it common that over the years the struts lose their strength? I guess if they are the original 21 yr old numbers it's quite likely.

It'd just be nice to access the engine compartment without needing A N Other or a piece of wood to prop up the tail.

Thanks again

R.

Post by **kevtherev** » 21 Nov 2006, 10:33

my new ones hold the bikes up ok

don't let the kids hold the tail gate when you've fitted the new ones....whooosh...and watch yer chin!

Post by **busbuddy** » 21 Nov 2006, 10:33

girl has a devon with a bike rack in our klub and it has bits on the struts that lock them when you have bikes on and the tailgate up, the same sort of thing thats on a caravan window only bigger if that makes any sense

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 21 Nov 2006, 13:31

Just replaced mine with a new set from Ebay, very strong now. The seller was "T25parts", I had good dealings with him. Good price too

Post by **Louey** » 21 Nov 2006, 13:41

bit of 22mm copper pipe will work for when you have the bikes on. Ask matt for details

Post by **Mocki** » 21 Nov 2006, 14:22

Louey wrote: Ask matt for details

yeah, coz matt invented the idea........

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 24 Nov 2006, 22:18

yeah, the copper pipe thing saves you about £26, cut 2 pieces about 5mm shorter than the chrome bit of the opened strut. put the chrome bit inside the pipe. happy days (£26)

Post by **ermie571** » 24 Nov 2006, 22:22

Have a bit of copper pipe on both the vans.....

everytime I get the cash to get new struts, the kids need shoes or sommat else falls off the van!!

Must write that letter to Father Christmas!

Emma

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 25 Nov 2006, 07:28

sommat else falls off the van.

now where have i heard that before!!!!!