Trunk gas strut install

[txboiler]

I went to install the trunk gas struts last evening, using the instructions downloaded from FFR site. both the driver and passenger inside should straps will cover part of the ball stud that mounts the the 3/4" square tube, red circle area in the first photo. My concern is that the ball stud bracket is angled in the area that the should strap will contact and this could cause the should strap to abrade or slice through normal use. I would obviously remove all sharp edges etc before install
161650

161651

I am looking to see if anyone has experienced what I am concerned about above? Two possible solutions I am considering (in order of preference):

1) purchase two ballstuds like those that attached to the trunk hinges and install them with rivnuts or tapped holes into the upper surface of the 3/4" square tube

2) mount and angled bracket to the back side of the square tube with a clearance cut for the ballstud bracket and extend to point at which the entire should strap "wraps around" going down to the shoulder strap mount point. This would eliminate the should strap from rubbing on the angled surface of the bracket and eliminate any risk of getting abraded or sliced

[Jeff Kleiner]

Mount the ball stud bracket on the other side of the roll bar and move the hinge mounted ball to the other side of the hinge.

Jeff

[egchewy79]

the aluminum panel of the rear cockpit wall is way sharper than the ball stud bracket. just saying.

[txboiler]

Jeff. I had considered that but it appears that the gas struts would be angled inboard. I wasnt sure if that would make a difference in the forces applied to open the trunk. It is definitely the easiest of solutions and use that suggestion and move on.

BTW I am getting closer to go kart and looking at paint slots. I will send you a PM

[toadster]

here's my setup - maybe pics will help visualize?
https://cobradreams.com/2021/10/01/breeze-cubby-setup-and-finalizing-trunk-setup/

[Jeff Kleiner]

Jeff. I had considered that but it appears that the gas struts would be angled inboard. I wasnt sure if that would make a difference in the forces applied to open the trunk…

I just did one last month and the slight angle does not affect function.

Jeff

[txboiler]

I agree and I have opened up the hole in the rear wall of the cockpit by about 1/16" so that the seat belt doesnt rub. I also plan to use the bezels from http://www.replicaparts.com/seatbelt%20page.htm

[txboiler]

the aluminum panel of the rear cockpit wall is way sharper than the ball stud bracket. just saying.

I agree and I have opened up the hole in the rear wall of the cockpit by about 1/16" so that the seat belt doesnt rub. I also plan to use the bezels from http://www.replicaparts.com/seatbelt%20page.htm

[txboiler]

I have modified Kleiner’s suggestion and mounted the forward bracket between the seat belt holes on the aft cockpit wall. I decided on this location because I didn’t want the gas struts to interfere with the rear cubby mod I am also doing.

162844

Now I am about the mark the clearance cuts on the rear cubby wall. I am trying to determine if the hinge brackets need to be installed between or on the outside of the hinge points on the chassis. The manual doesn’t specify. Right now I have them mounted to the inside of the brackets on the chassis.

162845

Thanks in advance