Need to replace both the hood and hatch suport struts. Im looking at the rear struts and they have wires connected on the strut itself. What is this for?

Also whats a good set to go with. Im thinking just get AC delco but am hoping someone can shed some light on the wire connection situation.

 

The electrical connection is for the rear defogger. I just replaced hood and hatch struts as well. Got them at Napa and am pleased with the quality. Hood struts werent too much but hatch struts were 45 each.

 

I had a feeling thats what it was for. When I look online I dont see it listed in the description for rear defrost. Only saw description as spoiler or rear wiper. Now that you mention napa I was happy with the quality when I replaced them on my wifes cougar years ago. I think for her car they were like $65.00

 

I replaced the hood struts this weekend. For some reason they are having issues crossing the ones for the hatch. When its looked up it states rear spoiler with rear wiper, and then on the other listing it states without.
What it doesnt show is for a rear defrost. I gave them the VIN and part number listed on the strut. Hopefully they can find it then.

 

Napa part number 4967. Fit like a glove

 

I'm just going to shoot from the hip, and guess that most of the hatch supports will have the tabs. It wouldn't make much sense to manufacture and stock two parts when one part would do the job.

 

The hatch lift supports I recently ordered from Rock Auto had the spade connectors; one on each end. I don't have a rear defogger, so I'll probably just cut the spade terminals off when I install them.

The lift supports I ordered were Sachs, P/N SG130001, Trunk; Coupe; w/ steel hood, w/ spoiler or wiper (hood? weird description).

 

Yep, if you don't have a rear defroster you can trim off those tabs for a cleaner look. Regarding the "With rear spoiler or rear wiper" or "Without" reference. The ones that are listed for a optional rear wiper will be stronger than the ones listed without. This particular strut will also work better for the Firebird with the heavy aero spoiler or the 91-92 Z28 with hi-rise spoiler. If you don't have these heavy rear spoilers or the rear wiper then you can use the hatch struts that are specified for "without" these options.

Lon

 

does anyone have a picture of a third gen with a rear wiper? I have never seen one? When I ordered my struts the guy asked about the rear wiper....had no idea it was even an option.

 

It was an option 82-85. I don't see them often at the PAP yards, but I'll get a picture next time I see one.

Lon

 

Stole this image from another Thirdgen.org post..

 

Thanks Galaxie500, now I have seen it all. I guess if they were only around from 82-85 there are not that many around, no wonder I dont remember seeing one.

 

Here is a link to the ones that we carry. Ours have the defrost grid tabs on them

Chevy Camaro Hood & Hatch Lift Supports

 

Here is a link to the hatch struts on TDS site:

http://www.top-downsolutions.com/hat...2-f-body-coupe

 

Done this routine several times in the past with my 82 T/A and other cars I have bought and flipped. Most of time Ebay has them CHEAPEST !! Not much of a mark up like other sellers.


Then you have Wal-Mart/Amazon/Rock Auto

And secret tip Orieily's Auto parts, PRICE matches Wal-Mart.com which now sells most common parts for our cars with FREE 2 day shipping !!


Dave

 

Are there any high quality ones that last for a while? Seems they only last for a few years before they start having issues holding the hatch up

 

I have owned a lot of third gens over the years and I have replaced the hood and hatch struts one every single one... I have bought the majority of mine from RockAuto and have been pleased with the quality.

For some odd reason the parts stores in my neck of the woods don't seem to carry any parts for the vehicles I own, but that they can get them in 2-3 days. I tell them I'll just order them online, save some money, and still have them in 2-3 days. They don't seem to like that for some reason lol!

 

lots out there

 

Advance auto has a lifetime warranty on their lift supports. Take them back every few years when they fail.