Trunk struts for '89-91 100/200/V8, 5000TQ?

["Scott M." <scottmo@teleport.com>]

FYI

There is an upgrade available to add gas struts to the rear
trunk hinges on the '89-91 100/200, '90 V8's and remove the
garage door springs currently used. (I suppose it may also
work on the 5000TQ?)

Are you tired of getting your head banged from the trunk
lid when parked on an incline?

Service bulletin, GROUP 55, # 91-04 (June 1991) shows the
following parts: (There may be a newer bulletin on this)

2 gas struts 441-827-551, 4 ball studs 533-827-345C, 4 M8
self locking nuts, 4 flat washers, 8.0mm (5/16). I have not
done this upgrade (yet) but basically you have to remove
the plastic trunk liners on each side and drill a hole
toward the front to mount a ball socket and then a ball
socket and strut is attached on the other end to the
existing hinge where the spring was connected.

Apparently the V8's after July 1990 build date have this
change.

Happy head banging!
Cheers
Scott M.

----------
> From: Wolff <wolff_b@ix.netcom.com>
> To: Mike Victor <victmi00@dons.ac.usfca.edu>
> Cc: quattro@coimbra.ans.net
> Subject: Re: Questions about 86 4kcs
> Date: Sunday, December 07, 1997 11:49 AM
> 
> snip
> > 
> > --trunk shocks: The shocks that work the trunk are
completely shot. At
> > first I thought this would be an easy project but now I
am beginning to
> > wonder about it. What am I looking at for a pair of
these shocks and is
> > the replacement simple?
> > 
> 
> You can get the shocks at Carlsen for about $20 each with
q-list
> discount. Actually not as hard to install as it looks.
You need a
> smallish flatblade screwdriver and a lot of patience.
When you get the
> new ones observe the little locking clip. There is a slot
used to pry it
> up slightly. On the old shocks you can rip the clip off
completely to
> aid removal. On the new ones, you only want to lift it
slightly to allow
> the post  to go in the socket. I found it easiest to hook
the new one up
> in the inside (front of car) first and then hyperextend
the trunk lid
> against the rubber stops to line up the closer post where
I could see it
> better. A very useful repair. No more trying to hold the
heavy lid up
> with one hand while holding the baby in the other and
getting stroller
> with third hand.
> Wolff
> '91 200 tq (springs on trunk lid, struts on bonnet)
> '86 4kq )working trunk struts)
> '84 4k (springs on trunk lid)