Boot opening - spring loaded strut

**Stratos Fear** · 17-03-2021, 09:57

To save re-inventing the wheel has anyone installed a spring loaded strut for the bootlid?

Failing this I'll have to test my engineering skills to the limit by trying to work out which spring loading and boot strut will be best for the Stratos.(and work out how to mount it)

Thanks for any advice.

P

**Guy Mayers** · 17-03-2021, 10:19

Most people go with a fixed length prop. Have you considered the strain imposed on the fibreglass boot lid might lead to distortion or stress cracks? Or do you have an aluminium bootlid?
Guy

**Normb666** · 17-03-2021, 15:52

I know a couple of guys who used to play rugby, but they were scrum-halves rather than props. They might fit the bill, although probably not in the boot though...

**Lancialulu** · 17-03-2021, 21:13

I am sure I wrote up the boot lid gas strut I fitted to Shades. Cost me £5 from toolstation. For a kitchen cabinet I seem to remember.

**Normb666** · 17-03-2021, 21:52

Kitchen cabinet? Fantastic lateral thinking, Tim! But did you need to make up a Formica boot lid to match?

**Lancialulu** · 18-03-2021, 07:56

Originally Posted by Normb666

Kitchen cabinet? Fantastic lateral thinking, Tim! But did you need to make up a Formica boot lid to match?

Norm you are showing your age!!!

**Stratos Fear** · 18-03-2021, 10:26

Thanks guys - amusing but not much help !

Guy - I understand your comment but wonder if their might be a stress(crack) free solution ?

**Guy Mayers** · 18-03-2021, 11:35

I guess it's all about the way you attach the strut to the boot lid? Anything that spreads the load will help, I'd suggest a strip of ally or stainless steel with a 90 degree bend skiaflexed to the inside of the lid would do the trick. After that it's just a case of working out where the base sits, and if the pivot is near the hinge end or the spoiler end? I'd also consider if you want to have one at either side otherwise you're going to have to get into the habit of closing it by pushing down on one side to avoid twisting the lid? I'm probably overthinking this!
Guy

**LOFT6.6** · 18-03-2021, 18:51

Originally Posted by Lancialulu

I am sure I wrote up the boot lid gas strut I fitted to Shades. Cost me £5 from toolstation. For a kitchen cabinet I seem to remember.

Tim, I think this is the thread you were thinking of HERE.

Cheers!

Ade

**Guy Mayers** · 18-03-2021, 21:23

Looking at Tim's solution and assuming you have a fibreglass boot lid would an option be to attach the gas strut to the boot hinge instead? Might be a little on the diagonal so you might need a slightly longer one but this would eliminate the strain/stress issue?
Guy