Is there ANYWHERE to get the correct lift support cylinders for a Notchback (GM part 10070768)? Only place I can find them is at Gmparthouse.com for $73 a piece . I have standard lift supports installed currently (they shoot the hatch up so quickly it will literally throw things off the hatch) but ever since I rebuilt the power pull down they are jamming it up. Any help would be great, thanx in advance.

 

Any of these work?

1988 Pontiac Trans Am Hatch Lift Support

1988 Pontiac Trans Am Hatch Lift Support For Models With Spoiler & Rear Wiper Pair

1988 Pontiac Trans Am Hatch Lift Support Pair (Excluding Rear Spoiler) (Without Rear Wiper)

 

nope. Notchback struts don't have the slot in the end, it is a socket for a ball joint.

 

Is it possible the convertible versions work? I like a hard find.
http://www.autopartsbylou.com/lift-s...988&type=Trunk

 

If you like a hard find, you got it. The vert ones wont work either. Notchback struts are longer than standard struts.


special thanks to the respective owners of the pics I am using..

 

Are you sure that the price is each and not pair.That's awfully expensive for supports.
Contact GM Parts Direct: Your direct source for Genuine GM Parts
and verify their price,they list them for 80+$$.

 

Grrr.

Here they are.

So you have to click Lift Gate, then Lift Gate again. Stupid.

 

stock notch? [ photocrap pic wont load ]

I had no problems using any shock, but all were to strong.
Why I have hood pins on it, shocks twist the notch and lifts the right corner, so I pinned it down.

if you have one of the original shocks that is blown, id just ask to go in the back and compare it to other on the shelf.

could of been originaly listed for a yugo hatchback for all you know......

 

SHOPPING CART

WOW!!they are sold as ea.and that's a lot of money,but that's what it cost to keep a car stock.
Description MSRP Price Your Price Qty Total Cost Collision Catalog - 1988 - Pontiac - Firebird
body hardware, lift gate, support cylinder W/NOTCHBACK
$86.25 $86.25 $172.50

 

I doubt they are available. I have tried ordering them a few times over the years using the GM part numbers, as there are a few different part numbers for the same shock, and even though the order goes through the order is usually cancelled a few days later with a notice that the item isn't available.

I wonder if any one can rebuild them? Since they lose their charge and rarely break, the hard to find parts themselves are still good.

 

Unfortunately I do not have the stock shocks. When I got the car there were only the hinges holding the hatch on, no shocks or mounting hardware at all. Had to replace the power pull down unit as it was literally smashed.

 

Delete

 

I tried to get them a few months and they emailed me saying they were not available. I am trying to find a set that work as well for my notchback car as well w/ no luck

 

Measure the support from ball hole to ball hole. Then go to a RV website. Type in length and how much weight you want to lift. Sometimes there called springs.

 

Any updates?

I'll be dealing with this in a few months. I have 2 hatches but no struts. I did source pictures of how they mount though since there's a special bracket I'll need to make.

As for that end with the slot, I parted out dozens of cars and that style looks really familiar, now im trying to remember what it came off of and seeing if they would be an option.

Worst case scenario, when I need struts for my car, I'll do all the measuring and figure out the proper arc radius, weight support needed etc and find something.

Currently I'm trying to find info on repairing the SMC itself, not exactly fiberglass and little info on repair and paint prep for it online.

in addition to all that, I'm trying to source new glass weatherstripping, not NOS stuff, but something aftermarket that'll work. I have a few potential options but haven't bought/tested anything yet. My one glass rubber is still usable, the other had been all cut out and is shot.

 

What I did was get standard firebird struts from Pep Boys. Bought shoulder bolts and associated hardware from Ace Hardware, and installed the struts upside down (shiny side towards the back). It works good, and the hatch opens so quickly it could probably knock your teeth out.

I would still like to get the CORRECT stuff for the car, but this works.

 

I know its been like a year and a half, but I just wanted to add something.

I recently picked up an real Notchback(whole car) and the struts on it actually seem to be fabricated from the standard style struts. I am still trying to figure it out. The struts are blown so they dont work anyway but I have to check for parts numbers and see what they really are. I'm wondering if some Notchback GTAs came with "retro-fitted" struts.
The longer struts shown in the pictures above look a lot like 4th gen hatch struts. I have a few of those so I'll have to compare them all. If these "fabricated" struts are oem, I may consider trying to replicate them. Eventually I will also be making replica notchback under-hatch trim panels and rear seat upper shells. Really only because I need both for my other GTA. I may also replicate the strut-to-body mounting bracket.

 

keep us posted. i need any notchback parts if you have them..i only have the hatch itself! thanks