Exterior door lift/supports

tmaki1

New member
Aug 25, 1999
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At the San Diego car swap meet a couple of
months ago, I saw a couple of GMCs with the
gas/air struts on the LP and generator
compartment doors. I got a part number from
one of them, but failed to get a source from
which to buy them.

The part number I got was Springlift Air Lift SL3
30# . I know they're similar to the struts used
with hatchbacks, etc. but not too sure which
ones to get.

I've checked local auto parts stores, as well as
home improvement centers, and can't seem to
find these.

I know many out there must have something
similar to this. What do you use, where can the
components be purchased, and what pitfalls
should one be mindful of (the reinforcing of the
door edges is one I know about)?

Thanks for any help. (I know it can't be this
difficult.)

Toby Maki
'73 Glacier 230
 
Hi Tobi

Springlift gas springs are sold by a division of Attwoodmarine Corp. They have a web site at
http://www.attwoodmarine.com/

They have a catalog of thier gas springs under the product page.

Dave Mumert
dave

- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: May 11, 2000 9:38 AM
Subject: GMC: Exterior door lift/supports

> At the San Diego car swap meet a couple of
> months ago, I saw a couple of GMCs with the
> gas/air struts on the LP and generator
> compartment doors. I got a part number from
> one of them, but failed to get a source from
> which to buy them.
>
> The part number I got was Springlift Air Lift SL3
> 30# . I know they're similar to the struts used
> with hatchbacks, etc. but not too sure which
> ones to get.
>
> I've checked local auto parts stores, as well as
> home improvement centers, and can't seem to
> find these.
>
> I know many out there must have something
> similar to this. What do you use, where can the
> components be purchased, and what pitfalls
> should one be mindful of (the reinforcing of the
> door edges is one I know about)?
>
> Thanks for any help. (I know it can't be this
> difficult.)
>
>
> Toby Maki
> '73 Glacier 230
>
 
McMaster Carr also sells gas lifts with extension force as low as 15 lbs.
The problem here is cracking the door when closing it due to the cylinder
extension pressure. 15 lbs might even be too much.

The McMaster web site is www.mcmaster.com and the gas lifts are on page 904.
Just do a keyword search on "lift".

Patrick
 
> At the San Diego car swap meet a couple of
> months ago, I saw a couple of GMCs with the
> gas/air struts on the LP and generator
> compartment doors.

Be careful you don't over power the struts. I have them on my rear
hatches and they have caused a crack where they mount in the hatch.

David Lee Greenberg
GMC Motorhome Registry
Dedicated to the preservation of the Classic GMC
http://www.gmcss.com/registry.htm