Lift Supports for 1982 Subaru GL Hatchback

[Rollerball]

Hey,

 

Looking for some lift supports for a 1982 Subaru Hatchback GL.

 

When opening the hatch the lift supports do not stay causing a big smack on the melon!

 

I bought some from a local parts store, but they only sell the shock, not the hardware. I tried to drill out the rivet so I could use the old hardware but the rivet of been used by a mechanical rivet gun. I can drill through the center but it will not break the rivet loose.

 

Any suggestions right now I have taken the supports off, it makes for a heavy hatch, but at least you don't forget and bust your melon!

 

Thanks!

[Idasho]

One side of the rivet need to be ground off completely to remove the rivet. You re-use the mounts.

 

Did your new struts come with pins and clips?

[Rollerball]

Yes, they did. I just had one heck of time trying to break the rivet free. I used a power drill and went right after the the drive rivet side, then it would break loose no problem.

 

All I did is drilled a nice hole in the middle of the drive rivet, it would not break free. I tried one size bigger the the actual drive rivet. I was so frustrated I took a break.

 

What kind of tool do I need?

 

Thanks!

 

Rollerball

[Idasho]

As I said, it needs to be GROUND off.

 

I used an angle grinder.

 

Then us a punch or drift to remove the rivet.

[Svengouli7]

Hi rollerball. Happy Easter.

 

I am out by red mt., if you need a hand grinding off that rivet let me know.

 

You could probably do it with a cut off wheel on a drill or dremel. Both would be good investments.

[87.5ea82txt]

Insert a punch the same size diameter of the hole you drilled in the rivet and snap off the head. I've done this 1xxx's of times on aircraft.

[87.5ea82txt]

Or use a hammer to drive the rivet through if you have not drilled all the way through it. This will also knock off the head.

[87.5ea82txt]

Also, I would recomend drilling only half through the rivet. Use a sharp awl or punch to make a dimple in the center of the head. Drill into the shank with a bit that is just small enough that you dont drill into the hole. Hammer your punch into the rivet. If It has not already popped the back out of the rivet, pry the head of the rivet off, remove it from your punch, insert the punch back into the rivet and knock it out.

Edited April 25, 2011 by 87.5ea82txt

[Rollerball]

Got the new lift supports in with the help of Svengouli7. We are live about 10 minutes from each other.

 

Ended up grinding off the rivets and then punching the new pieces in place on the new rods. They were a little tight but with a socket below it gave it something to hit it against.

 

I will mention that when installing either take a picture of the old ones before removing. I will have to take a picture of the correct orientation of the lift supports. It's very easily to in-correctly install the lift supports. One would think it's a no big deal but you have to make sure the black part is on the top, and the silver is on the bottom which is installed first and folds on itself.

 

I will upload a picture of it. Many our laughing I'm sure but oh well maybe a picture will save someone else the hassle. And the forum will do it's purpose for the next.

 

Thanks for the tips for this Novice!