Mike92Firebird

iTrader: (3)

I've got an 89 GTA and am in need of two new hatch struts to hold it up when it is open. Here's the problem, I've seen them listed as expensive as 120 for a pair, yet as cheap as 10 dollars a piece. I've also realized my defroster is either grounded or has power running to each one of the struts. I've seen some sites say that having a spoiler or not matters as well. So many options and I'm totally confused. Anyone think they can give me a link for some that will work for me and at the best price?

cdoyle

I just got some at O' riley's about a month ago, and have a lifetime warranty. I just got the ones rated to lift the most possible heavy combination. With Spoiler and wiper and they are pretty strong. When I pop the trunk, it will actually open all the way on it's own. Almost looks like it was a factory option when I do that from inside the car. lol.

Mike92Firebird

iTrader: (3)

LMFAO! That'd be so cool to watch it just lift straight up on its own. Do you mind me asking what you paid for yours/what the ones at the auto parts store cost?

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

I paid $39/pr/shipped for mine off Amazon, but can't give you a review on them yet, since they are not on my car yet.

Chevrolet Camaro 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 / with Spoiler & Wiper / Rear Hatch / Lift Supports, Struts. Units Are Pair (2) Priced L & R Strong Arm, Made in the USA 4954

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NI5ZR4

cdoyle

The rear struts were 35.99 ea
and the hood struts were 16.99 ea

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...d=lift+support

Austin19

I have the same ones as cdoyle, and I don't have a spoiler or wiper. My hatch flies up. When I first got them, I was afraid to let it do it on its own, I would have to get out and hold it and assist it so the hatch didn't fly off my car. Also, I have to make sure to have a hand on both sides when I close it, or the whole hatch twists like no other. I would recommend trying to find the right one for your application, but others can be used.

Mike92Firebird

iTrader: (3)

Rock Auto did me well for my hood ones. Just changed em today, each strut was usually 30 dollars a piece but the company that makes them was going out of business. Snagged them at 8 dollars a piece. Not too shabby. Difference is like night and day compared to old ones. Same company sells hatch ones for 12 a piece. Probably going to give them a shot. They specify to be used to spoiler and wiper. Hopefully I'll be allright. Thanks for all the input everyone! I got some hilarious images in my head of hatches flying up and incredible speeds as if they are going to rip themselves off the car. lol

cdoyle

When I get the car back from being painted, I'll take a video of the hatch opening on it's own. I have the pull down motor so it slowly rises and then when it pops it just keeps going all the way up.

Austin19

I'll do a video of mine tomorrow if I find some time. Pretty funny. Not power either, so it flies up when I'm still in the car.

Mike92Firebird

iTrader: (3)

I'd love to see either of them. Just tell people it's custom. Haha.

1Aauto

We carry them on our website. Here's a link to them if you would like to check them out.

Pontiac Trans Am Hatch Struts

kd5icr

iTrader: (2)

I have the same problem, when I hit the lock switch the hatch flys open. Well it happened to many times, because the struts are so strong the hatch glass exploded today now I have to go pick up a new hatch. So if you think it is cool that the struts open it like that, come back later and tell me how nice it is when you have to replace the glass like I now have to. I got lucky a local guy has the hatch and I go get it tomorrow, Then I need to find struts for it that dont slam it open. Yes I had the ones for the application but they were just to strong. They were and are brand new from AM auto parts

Limpperi

Is there struts that could lift a firebird large spoiler hatch with defroster combo all the way up all by itself? would be pretty neat but hatch is dead heavy

puma1552

iTrader: (1)

It's important to get the right ones--the difference between the weight of the hatch with dead struts and the weight of the hatch with no struts at all when swapping them out is insane--that hatch is extremely heavy, even dead struts are holding most of the weight.

What that means is that the struts constantly exert a massive force on the hatch the entire time it's closed, so you don't want to get ones that are overkill for your application. Don't get the strongest ones, get the right ones. Even the right ones will pop the hatch all the way open (at least for a few months).

kd5icr

iTrader: (2)

As I found out the hard way is this: There are struts for 4 different hatches, 1 for just the hatch without defrost and wiper, 1 for just wiper, 1 for just defrost and 1 for wiper and defrost. Each one opens with a different amount of power. That is why it is SUPER important to make sure you get the right ones for the style of hatch you have.
I found a seller on ebay called, parts ave. they are in New York they have great prices of the struts and are sold in pairs(2) and shipping was pretty fast to me here in Texas I think I waited at most 4 days.

kd5icr

iTrader: (2)

Yes you can find them. If I can suggest to you, go to ebay and look for a seller named "Parts Ave" they are out of New York and have great deal on struts and they are sold in pair (2). Be darn sure to read the entire add before you buy because there are differnt struts for different hatches.

soul.justice

I just did my hatch struts today, I got a set at VatoZone for 70 with tax. Use the buddy system when you do it cause that hatch is stupid heavy... and while you're at it get yourself a set of large torx bits. I paid 15 bucks for a set, it has common sizes from T15-T60. I think the bolt that threads into the car is a T45 or a T47.

my82roc

iTrader: (101)

Ive always got mine from junkyard cars.Even picked a few brand new pairs.Usually pay 2-5 dollars apiece.I stockpiled up so many that I dont even take them anymore

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I just replaced my old rubber spoiler w/the fiberglass one,and the hatch really pops open fast now,I might consider changing over to the less stronger ones!!!

my82roc

iTrader: (101)

When I first got my 86 Iroc it had hatch louvers and a goofy pedistal spoiler that leaked from where they drilled the mounting holes.The hatch was so heavy that the struts wouldnt hold it up.I replaced them with a pair off an 89 Formula with the wrap around spoiler and they worked for me.When I replaced the hatch with a stock one the struts were too strong.I really had to lean on them to close the hatch.I put in weaker ones which are still on the car from 7 years ago and still work great

dhauser

I got mine off ebay as well, but can't remember the vendor name at the moment. Total cost for the pair plus shipping was less than $45. Smokin' good deal, and they fit and work perfectly.

QUICKCHICKEN

iTrader: (12)

i got mine from Oriellys and they came with the tabs for heated glass and that may be standard for all of the struts. one thing i like seeing on mine are those 3 words, "MADE IN U.S.A."

1Aauto

On our website we have labeled our struts to match the options that you have on your trunk so that it will open properly.

Limpperi

Just finished with Strongarm struts. Great struts! On warm days the trunk will lift by its own even with the heavy Firebird wrap around spoiler

lonestar7

iTrader: (1)

I replaced my hatch struts this summer with ones supposed to be correct for the application, w/spoiler w/o wiper. The hatch would never come up on it's own when released with these. It pop up enough to get the bar on the hatch out of the latch assembly so the latch mech would move up for a while, but hasn't since it's gotten cold. I was just wondering, when these cars were new, did the hatch pop up on it's own completely or partially when released? Or were the struts just strong enough to hold the hatch up after you manually pulled it up?

W.E.G.

Somebody should mod the struts to operator-controlled pneumatic.

Then you could open and close the hatch to varying heights, and at varying speed via a control in the cabin.

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

That would actually be rather simple to do if you get electric lift cylinders in the right length & the correct strength. I found some years ago but never bothered to actually do it. I was looking for them for another purpose at the time.

W.E.G.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-Linear-Ac...-/130401166374

BlackenedBird

iTrader: (5)

http://www.firgelliauto.com/show_info.php?page_id=35

boxxed

So what is a part number for hatch struts that use rear defoggers on a 1988 GTA?
Where are they available?

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

My parts book does not list the one with the rear defrost for some reason,only the one that deletes C49.I'm sure the parts store would know.I got mine from Auto Zone,that had the rear defrost plugs.

Marine_Marauder

I looked up where I got mine for you guys.

"StrongArm" #4954 struts. Got em off Ebay, the rear hatch struts worked perfectly, ad the defogger plugged right in on both sides.

I ordered the front ones for the hood, but they don't hold up the hood.

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

You have to order the ones for a steel hood.

Marine_Marauder

Which ones? I'm sick of proppong it up with a stick or vise grips...

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I got mine from Auto Zone,if you go on their web site,you will see that their are two options,one for F/G and one for Steel.

Marine_Marauder

Why thank you sir

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par..._0_3184%2C6098
This is what you need.