How to determine mounting gas springs.

[Mark42]

If you are thinking of using a gas spring to open a hatch, engine cover, etc and its a new application, this site has some great info that will help decide where to mount the struts and how to figure out the pounds of force needed.

Take a look at the "Standard Sizes" page, they are comparable to the typical offering from Whitecap and Attwood. Then using the Application chart, match the spring to the size and weight of the hatch, and also how you want it to act (hold closed, hold open, full swing support, etc)

http://www.gassprings.net/

http://www.gassprings.net/applications.html

The important part is for the open/closed length, and the lbs of force, where the pivot points are located on the hatch and frame.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

You are going to install a latch too? I believe they can be mounted two ways. One where they start to lift the moment the latch is released and the other after you lift the cover a small amount.

Regardless of the method ......you need to brace tha attachment points to spread the load.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

I have the Taylor Made twist thumb latches to keep the windshield windows closed. The struts would be setup to give full lift support, and hold open.

I have been looking for that info for a long time. The diagrams are exactly what I needed to figure out how to mount struts on the windows.

you would think that Attwood would supply that info on their website, but they don't.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

Okay..... how about an accurate bath scale and a rod to measure the weight of the hatch while on the hinges.

I would also start visiting a place that sells truck caps. Most rear windows are supported by two struts and I would talk to the installer.

 

[bass striker]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

They also make push-pull scales which could measure the preasure you need, we use these at work all the time. Honestly I dont know were to get one but they are pretty simplistic.

 

[Mark42]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

The weight of the window is needed, and I can measure the whole thing on a bath scale. Right now I know that 1/4" glass weighs 3 lbs/sq ft. Each windshield window will weigh less than 12 lbs. The smallest gas spring is 20 lbs so a single should work, but using two will spread the load when closing.

I called Attwood and their tech support said that even though two 20's would sound like too much, it will not fly open because of the dampening action in each strut.

Bob, the few pickup cap supply sites I found have prices for stuts that are more than I can find the marine grade online, plus I need the various mounting brackets offered with the marine units.

I have some design work to do.

 

[redfury]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

You might want to consider this Mark, 2 struts will handle twice the load, and if they are too strong, you may have troubles getting the windows closed because there isn't enough inherent weight in the windows...make sure you have a SOLID grab handle to pull the window closed.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How to determine mounting gas springs.

The brackets are easy I would visit a ssheet metal shop and pick up a few pieces of SS scrap. You can grind, bend, shape and drill (with cobalt bits) to make the mounts.