bootlid gas strut mod for saloons

[placey]

for those thinking about beefing up the bootlid because the weight of an m-tech spoiler is too much for the torsion bars - or for just losing the torsion bars altogether - or for that gas strust 'high quality' sound here's some useful info:

howto:

1) obtain some gas struts. check out the bonnet struts from an e34 5 series - part no. 51 23 1 944 119 (Ԛ£23 inc each from dealers) at 260mm extended or an equivalent.
2) obtain some 13mm headed m8 bolts, nuts and washers.
3)support the bootlid open with a length of wood.
4) remove the torsion bars. care is required cuase they'll whip and hurt without care.
5) drill out the rear bit of the hinges that used to hold the torsion bar ends.
6) fold up some brackets from ally or steel or whatever comes to hand.
7) remove the rear seat back and boot side trims.
bolt in your brackets.
9) bolt in your gas struts.

illustaration: fitted strut for an idea of how it all works.

hth - paul

[Simon]

Good work there Paul, nice one!!

[Ziggy]

Good work fella

You know that just buying a cab is the far superior option though...

[placey]

cheers simon and jon

but i don't really want a cab... i just changed my scrappy find struts for new dealer ones - hence the part number info - and the bootlid now rises automatically with a shush noise as soon as the button is pressed...but it takes a little too much effort to push down until they're worn in a bit.

paul

[Hyperion]

brilliant idea, my boot keeps hitting me on the head, will investigate this more and give it a go.
thanks

[JOSEMI]

puyaka pukka pukkashi

quality, someone has used the brain there

Jose

[Demlotcrew]

Great work!

Where are the ally brackets then?

Andrew

[placey]

andrew

the left hand end of the strut in the picture is bolted to the drivers side bracket. i colour coded the bracket before installation. it's a right angle with a 'foot' at each end - one bolted to the rear seat back and the other to the inner rear wing. roof bolts are good for the rear seat back end as they have a shallow head and hence do not foul the seat when re-installed.

i also forgot to write that the boot side trims require trimming to allow the bracket and strut free working space - about an inch or so from the top. it'll be obvious when the bracket is in place.

paul