Lift gate slides to gas assist shocks

[fastbagged68]

Has anyone done this conversion? I know hart rod did it. Here is link to his. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=220511
I started to do it last night and found out it not as easy as the 67-72 guys have it. I'm probably going to machine up some bungs and move the mount point on the door. I'm using a 11.5" compressed, 19.5" extended 60lbs each. If anyone has done this mod let me know.
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[MikeS.]

Thanks for this! I'm gonna put struts on my 63 and those cables are just what I need for the tailgate.
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[Brad54]

What are the benefits of going with the struts and the cables, versus factory hardware?

-Brad

[perro13]

The price.lol try finding a good pair of factory slides

[Brad54]

Ah.
I've got a good pair, and another that could be good if straightened and given some lovin'.

I'll have to think about what the final plan is going to be...
I like the idea of being able to roll with the rear window open, if I'm hauling long 2x4s or something. If I'm not mistaken, the factor pieces lock in the upright position, don't they?

-Brad

[63burban]

You'll be surprised at what all comes in the open rear window at 60mph

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by 63burban

You'll be surprised at what all comes in the open rear window at 60mph

I know the '57 Chevy station wagons had a problem with exhaust coming in when the early ones ran the exhaust out the bumper ends... they redesigned the exhaust pipes to dump behind/to the side of the rear bumper.

Judging on what's on my rear barn-doors, I'd say road grime, any fluids leaking off the bottom of the engine, trans or rear, and general crud.

-Brad

[fastbagged68]

Well I got the gas struts on but they don't open nearly as much as I want. I had to get shorter shocks and move one of the mounting points. The way our hinges open make the shock compress more in mid stroke then at full close. I'm going to figure out a different way to make it work.... In the future, not now.
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[Driveway Dreams]

Do you have any pictures? I'm curious about how you did it and where the door sits now.
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[66suburb]

Any updates to this?

I just picked up a clean 66 Burb and would like to do his conversion to mine.

Also, what are you using for a latch? Is there an adjustment procedure to get this thing to stay closed?

Any help would be appreciated
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[FASTDYNA]

very interested in this procedure please send updates and parts used

[1963burb]

Same here, trying to convert mine but need some guidance

[1966burb]

I am looking for some junk rear window slides with good mounting brackets on each end. I found a bunch of slides that are exact dimension but have the wrong brackets riveted on them. I will get some pics. Jim

[FASTDYNA]

I just did this but the struts wouldnt fit in the jamb ,so i went to camper supply and bought some balls already mounted on l brackets mounted them on inside there exposed when closed but work great if you pm me your ph# i can send you pics could not down load not real computer savy

[fastbagged68]

Sorry guys I didn't see all the responses to my post. The shocks I got do not open up my hatch enough. The pivot point needs to be moved higher on the hatch. In order to do that the hatch needs to be clearenced so the shock will fit in when closed. Check out the pics of the suburban Roadster Shop was building.

[bowtieguy79]

I started on mine just last night. Only got one side done. Still waiting on second Rod to ship...
I had to push it up the last 2 inches or so, I think the second strut will take care of that though.

Click on photo for a video

[mikesacs]

Here is my build thread and how I did it.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=504141&page=6