How to Make your Own GT Decklid Strut Write-up (Page 1/5)
chrismclubm JUN 01, 06:29 PM
After installing the factory spoiler, the decklid was simply too heavy to be held up by the original torsion bars.

Grab yourself a gas strut bar from an automotive shop; I purchased mine from Canadian Tire.


This code should give you a strut that is 16 inches fully extended.


Remove the first of the three bolts on the bracket connected to the decklid; shown here is the passenger side bolt.


Since the original bolt is too short, get yourself one of these bolts; the upper portion is threadless (sleeve).


Remove the bolt that is closest to you; if you do not remove it, space will be very limited.


Drill a hole (15/64') about an inch away from the bolt you removed in the previous step; just to be clear, this is the bracket holding the grill vent.


Grab yourself another bolt about 3.5 inches long; sleeved 2 cm's and threaded 1 cm.


This is how is should look like from the inside of the bracket.


Some additional pictures:




This can be done for less than 35 bucks Canadian. Have fun!

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1986 GT Fiero Owner & Enthusiast
For Fiero updates, visit my site http://gt.ppdictionary.com

[This message has been edited by chrismclubm (edited 08-20-2010).]

gtxbullet JUN 01, 06:34 PM
thanks this was of much help.
I'm making a run out to get the parts!

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1986 FIERO SE V6 76K Miles Auto Power everything with all options (daily driver)
1988 FIERO Coupe "IRON DUKE" 5-Speed (the show car ;-)
1992 Firebird T-Tops V-8 24k original Florida miles(collectors car)

1986GTV8 JUN 01, 06:42 PM
A PLUS for you sir!

I will add this to my "bucket list" of the Fiero!
Bloozberry JUN 01, 07:04 PM
Thanks for the info on the part number of the strut. I've been meaning to do this for a while but got discouraged at the shear number of gas struts there are out there. Remember elementary school... I give you a gold star.
Rolling Thunder JUN 01, 07:33 PM
I was seriously about to do this and make a write up this summer.

btw, what's the compressed length of the strut?
Dennis LaGrua JUN 01, 07:37 PM
It should be noted that there are torque struts with different stiffnesses. It will be harder to close the decklid on some, easier on others. My setup is similar to this one with the exception that I chose to use a stud on the decklid bolt location. This way I can maintain the fastening strength of the nut (by tightening the nut on the stud) and then by placing a washer then the strut, then another washer and finally a lock nut tightened on the end just so that all play is removed. This keeps the strut away from the decklid and prevents scratching. On the bottom side I use a bolt that goes through the air grill bracket side a nut to hold it in place then a washer the strut another washer and finally a lock nut on that end. Its slightly more elaborate than the method shown here but I do believe it has merit. Note that thiis will only work on GT's as the strut will interfere with the notchback deck lid if it is done this way. I will post the different strut numbers later on when I can look them up and ifyou don't want to go through the trouble of DIY, Rodney Dickman makes a complete kit that fits and works perfectly.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

avengador1 JUN 01, 08:29 PM
You might want to add some washers and/or bushings, so those bolts can be tightened correctly, without stripping.

[This message has been edited by avengador1 (edited 06-01-2009).]

chrismclubm JUN 01, 09:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by avengador1:

You might want to add some washers and/or bushings, so those bolts can be tightened correctly, without stripping.




I added a washer before adding the nut, but the image shown was taken earlier.

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1986 GT Fiero Owner & Enthusiast
For Fiero updates, visit my site http://educatorstop15.com/fieropage.htm

IMSA GT JUN 01, 09:19 PM
You have a PM.....
Tony Kania JUN 02, 12:19 AM
Ingenious. Price was right also.

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