I need a bit of help

[infintedepths]

I have a 1984 Corvette. The hatchback support lifts finally died on me. I got new ones to put in, but I am sad to say, I can't get the old ones out. I am trying to be as carefull with this as I can for fear that I will break the glass if I get to rough. Does anyone have any idea on the proper way to remove the old supports? I have a book, but it really doesn't say how to remove the supports. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Tuna]

First, I see this is your first post - so welcome to the CAC!

I'm not sure about '84s but my '92 has 'clips' on the ends of the struts that are pulled to release them from the pins that stick through the glass in the body.

As a precaution, do not take both struts off at the same time and keep a broom handle or 2x4 handy to prop the hatch up. It's heavy.

 

[Dougs91]

What Tuna said!! And welcome to CAC

 

[Ezmunie]

Don't have a hatch, so can't help you there but welcome to the

 

[infintedepths]

Thanks for the welcomes everyone!

As for the info... I looked for the pins. Mine doesn't have pins. The only thing on it at all is the electical connector for the rear defroster. I appreciate the help though. Any other ideas? ...

 

[infintedepths]

My are similar. The are on "ball" mounts, but there are no clips. I am not sure if they are just supposed to pop off or if you need to position the strut a certain way for it to come off or what. And all my research online hasn't come up with any answers either. I have found info on what you are talking about with the clips. lol I wish mine did have clips! It would be so much easier! lol

 

[MusclecarJohn]

I just read this message and realized that I in fact have replaced the rear hatch struts on my '84 a few years ago,
If I remember correctly I think I placed my 1 hand close to the strut to catch it (in case it tried to blast off somewhere), while I banged on the strut top away from the ball with my other hand, just make sure that you disconnect the defog wires first,
Hope this helps

 

[infintedepths]

Job Complete!

Thank you everyone for all the great advice! I am now the proud owner of a Corvette with a working hatch once again! (This time with clips lol)

After pondering and pondering, some of MusclecarJohn's advice, a bit of WD40, and a bit of logic (borrowed of course), I got it all figured out. I don't know if it was the right way, but it worked. I had to unscrew the mount connected to the glass. Once the whole mount was off, still connected to the strut, you reverse the position of the mount from the way it normal sits installed and then it pops right off. With one end free, the mount that is fixed to the car pops free once bent out to a 90 degree angle. All clean and free. The new struts had clips and were easy to install.

So once again I will be out cruising the streets a happy man. All in all, I really have to say this is an awesome car. I mean, its a 1984 with only 43,000 miles on it. The only things that I have had to replace (other than oil and tires on a regular basis) is an alternator and now these struts. I can't complain about that! Have a great day guys and thanks for all the help.

 

[MusclecarJohn]

'84s ARE Awesome,
I've owned my 150,000 mile '84 for about 6 years now and still LOVE it, still runs like a top
BTW glad to hear you worked out the strut replace Later.....John

 

[norwegianvette]

Helpfull

Hi and welcome from me in Norway. You will find this site very usefull and there is a lot of corvette owners here who will make your life easier. I did buy my first corvette last summer and had loads of help from the skillfull users of CAC.

Regards from Steve, Norway

 

[douglas foster]

father&son

Welcome!! 84"s rule

 

[geekinavette]

After pondering and pondering, some of MusclecarJohn's advice, a bit of WD40, and a bit of logic (borrowed of course),

Don't return the logic...keep it!