Trunk Prop with Gas Struts

[skidd]

Just thought I'd share my variant of the Gas Strut powered trunk prop system. It's based on one I saw in this forum.. or the other one.. not sure.
The main difference is that I added an additional piece of metal to effect a change in the lever pivot point. When the trunk is closed, the strut is pushing almost straight at the pivot, so it's hardly trying to open the trunk at all. In fact, the trunk won't open at all by itself. But, once the trunk is a little over 1/4 open, the leverage is enough to hold the trunk in position. By 1/2 way open, the struts are opening the trunk on their own. The benefit as I see it is that when the trunk is closed, it's not putting any force up on the trunk skin at all. Thus, hopefully eliminating any chance of it bowing or flexing. When the trunk is open, the bracket pretty much ends up sitting about as low as the normal trunk bracket does when the trunk is closed. So.. not really any change in trunk space. The struts are on just a slight angle towards the hinges since I mounted them between the should belts. But, not enough of an angle to do any harm at all. The sharp eyes among us will also see the red-and-black switch used to turn on the strip of LED trunk lights.

The struts are 40lb. Suspa C16-20651. $30 on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MUY8U4/

The added metal bracket was made from a 4" Corner Bracket from Home Depot. Just cut down a little to size and holes drilled and painted black. Mounted with a few 3/8" carriage bolts.
https://images.homedepot-static.com/productImages/0ce54001-d56f-4a5c-b46d-447fffe4ef41/svn/metallics-everbilt-corner-braces-15446-64_1000.jpg
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Heavy-Duty-Corner-Brace-2-Pack-15446/202034277

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180421_155043_595.jpg


https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180421_155102_595.jpg


https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180421_173542_595.jpg


https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180421_173613_595.jpg


https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20190424_141716_595.jpg


As you can see here, the strut is pushing almost straight at the pivot when the trunk is closed.
https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20190424_142047_595.jpg

[cgundermann]

Good idea, curious on how it works over time! I had installed the usual one even after other Forum members had mentioned/found that it pushes up on the front-top of the trunk. I re-installed mine after it was painted when the trunk initially fitted perfect. Afterwards, it pushed up on the driver’s side, however, I was able to re-adjust it back down and so far, everything is remaining flush. I really do like having the pneumatic lift assist...

Chris

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I just dropped the strut pressure with a different set. Holds trunk open but will not push it up on its own. Lid is still flat to the body.

[JimLev]

What's the microswitch for, trunk closed signal or alarm system? Good idea for either.

[skidd]

The micro switch turns on the LED light strip when the trunk is fully open. Could easily be adapted for an alarm trigger. Would need to be tripped off the other side of the arm though, so it would trip right away.

[JimLev]

Thanks, didn't even think of a trunk light.
Will have to add that to my build.