1989 IROC Z CONVERTIBLE

I installed new "Powerlift" 4632 and "Stabilus" 5B-185982 deck lid struts and both brands do not lift the deck lid, enough to clear the pull-down, so it re-closes the trunk. I do not want to have to pull the lid up, IMO that is really hoaky! I had ordered Sachs SG330013, from Oriely, but they sent the repackaged Stabilus units. The part listing, on Vert, that I found do differentiate between spoiler/no spoiler(I have the factory spoiler)

Vert owners, when you turn the trunk key, does the deck lid go up far enough to clear the pull-down. (Yes, I know performance varies with ambient temp.) Thanks.

 

Most of the time, yes. Sometimes, no. I've seen posts where folks attached a coil spring to the bottom of the lid to help it up. FWIW, once my pull down breaks again, I see no reason not to switch it out with the non-pulldown electric release setup from later years.

 

OK I did some research, and found AC Delco, states, 510157 (specified for Vert deck lids) , exerts 140 pounds of force, the aftermarket units I researched state they exert approx. 65- 70 lbs. of force.

I ordered 2 from rockauto. I will post back sometime after Jul 8Th, after I install them. Thanks.

 

I have an 89 IROC vert and i tried replacing the struts with Monroe struts from Rock Auto but they were not long enough in the full open position. Its hard enough to get things in there!...I took them out and put the originals back in. When i release with the key it pops up... then i have to full open manually.. the struts hold the trunk open.... then be careful closing because it comes down fast.... not really the operation i want.

 

My Delco struts, claiming 140 LBS. force, not 60-70 LBS, like aftermarket units for the Vert application. are due in July. I look forward to reporting back, my results, after install.

 

My trunk struts are failing so I'll be needing to buy some soon, looks like Delco will be the way to go. Look forward to your report!

 

My Delco's are due in July 8TH. Hopefully I will report July 8 or 9TH.

 

I just bought a 89 convertible and need to replace the ones on the trunk and hood.

 

In 2016 I installed Monroe # 901322 on the (steel) hood of my 89 IROC Z Vert. They worked fine, then and now. I bought them from Rockauto. I recommend you Wait till after July 8th to hear how the Delcos work on my Deck Lid. I searched and Rock had the best delivered price on the Delcos.

 

PS Beautiful Firebird, mdharne!

 

My new Delco 510157 Struts / Supports arrived today from rockauto. They were in vinyl "Hang packages" just like the aftermarket struts. "Delco " " 510-157" and "1 #88947684" logo printed on the package.

Printed on the struts "32419 , 4503, made in USA". Does not say Delco, on struts FWIW.

I installed them and observed, when I turn the deck-lid key, the lid is raised up by the power pulldown. The lid still rests on the pull-down mechanism, however it does not exert enough pressure, to cause the pulldown to activate, and close. They do not raise the lid up. I suspect in time, or colder weather(it was 90* F) the decklid may re-close. So the Delco's are marginally better than the others I installed.

As I raise the lid by hand, at 5" up from the body, the struts raise the lid all the way up. I ABSOLUTELY do not believe these Delco units exert the 140 claimed pounds of force, That would be approx TWICE what the aftermarket units claimed

QUESTION: I noticed that the striker, on my deck lid, bends off to the LEFT 3/16", (measured by placing a 90* square on the striker base). Please look at your VERT and advise, so I know if I should bend or shim it to 90* .

Thanks.

 

I went to Delco's website looking for a "contact us" link, with negative results. I am tempted to remove one of the Delcos and measure it's force. Not that I can do anything about it.

 

Really? I thought that seemed hard to believe so I did a quick search, found their email, some phone numbers, a counterfit part email, even a street address to mail them.

https://www.acdelco.com/contact-us

Did they just not respond to you?

 

I was on A Delco website, did not find a portal. Thanks for the link, I will use it and post back.

 

I messaged Delco on July 10th. I'll advise when I hear from them.

 

OP here. I received and email from AC Delco stating "We need your VIN to advise what parts fit your vehicle"

Gee, THANKS!

I emailed the VIN and Delco replied by advising what part number supports fit my IROC Z. The same ones I installed that were not much better than the aftermarket.

I later telephoned the AC Delco phone number provided(in their email) and spoke to a very nice gentleman, who NEW NOTHING. He actually told me to telephone my local Chevy dealer parts department to find out how many pounds of force the supports provide!

Days later Delco requested I "rate" their service. I told them I was not satisfied with their inability to provide advice and information. I told Delco the rep was polite, but lacked the training to do me any good.

 

Since I have to use the key to open the trunk, I usually grab the trunk and open it before the retractor comes all the way up...

I bought some lifts a few years back as my trunk was not staying open... It stays open but it is still heavy and if I am not careful when I close it will will slam shut.

 

Exactly how I deal w/ mine. However, if it was designed correctly, it would raise the deck lid well off the pulldown, when you turn the key. (Maybe even raise the lid all the way up, like some cars do). And it should not have a tendency to to slam down, as it is closed.

My Lincoln Mark VII LSC has the pulldown and operates perfectly. The 2ND Gen F Body Coupes I have owned, worked correctly.

IMO GM should not have offered the pulldown, on Verts. In time or cold weather, my deck lid, will re-close after the turning the key, unless it is immediately raised by hand. $ISS Poor engineering, GM.

 

Keep in mind that ASC verts are conversion cars, all of them started life as a hatchback and were converted by ASC...

From 1986 to Mid way thru 1991 ending at at VIN # 240931 (Firebirds) & 173201 (Camaros) they all used the large pull down, starting at 240932/173202 and on they went to a smaller mechanism and a non-pull-down.

So they listened, and improved on them as time went on.

Also consider that the rear trunk lid is very heavy for it's size, it weighs more than the trunk lid on my old 67 Riviera, I would bet 10# heavier. The convertible trunk lid appears to be wrapped metal around a Fiberglass innards, and it was flat, so in order not to get a dent by simply putting a can of coke on it, it required some stiffness... Shaped parts are much easier to make stiff than flat parts. And these are not Lincolns...

 

I believe GM should have required ASC to build to a higher standard. Also, I believe my new Delco supports do not provide twice as much force, as the aftermarket supports. Contrary to what GM/Delco claim. One of these days, i might remove one and test the force, except I am too busy.

 

My 89 is the same way, new struts did nothing for it and in fact, I think it's worse.
Could get lucky and find a late 92 trunk latch. Not sure if it works with the metal support the pull down style uses though.

 

Tony,
The latch attachment is completely different for the late 91-92 than the earlier 86-91 style. So you would have to do some magic to get it to work correctly.

John

 

I'm looking for the deck lid pistons for a 92 Vert , mine are dead . What would be the part number and where can i get them from ? Thanks Don

 

I got a pair off of Amazon for my 89.

I think they are the same for 87-92 ASC Convertibles...