Folding Top Gas Struts

[DJNikonn]

You mean the ones holding the tonneau cover open or the short stubby ones inside the top scissor folding mechanism?

I replaced all four a couple years ago. I think the tonneau covers were like 30 each.

The ones inside the top arms (which help lift the top) have these plastic sleeves they fit inside. You have to buy the sleeves with the shocks. I tried going without it and the new shocks were super tight in the sleeves and it made it harder to lift the top. Over time plastic changes shape etc etc. They DEFINITELY help lift the top. And you can install them with the top on the car. Just get a flashlight and some long pliers and a long standard screwdriver and move the top in different positions to get to what you need to get to. I think it was 80 for both shocks and both sleeves at bavauto.

Any chance you have a part number you could share for the ones inside the top?

[Das Delfin]

realoem.com for that

[amre]

Cory. Yes I was just trying the nut. Disconnected the rod from the motor and shortened it as much as it will go. That helps. It won't clear if I keep my finger on it constantly but if I tap the switch a couple times when it's close it will open the extra inch for clearance.

It's much better though.

[jeffnhiscars]

I'm bumping this thread to share the music. I have both the soft top hinge struts and the tonneau struts being made. I also have cornered the global market on the sleeves so will be offering them together with the struts.

Stay tuned

[Kai_NK]

I am redoing an 89 E30 vert and am having trouble with the strut in the folding mech.

I was able to take it off, but cannot manage to get the new strut into the ball mount in such a tight space.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to get this piece back in place?

[jeffnhiscars]

I am redoing an 89 E30 vert and am having trouble with the strut in the folding mech.

I was able to take it off, but cannot manage to get the new strut into the ball mount in such a tight space.

Does anyone have suggestions on how to get this piece back in place?

Put the retaining clip around the neck of the ball socket but up high so the pin does not protrude in to the socket. Lower the strut into the cavity and with a long screw driver push the socket on to the ball. Then use the screw driver to push the pin down the neck of the socket, obviously without knocking the socket off the ball. This will lock the ball and socket together.

Slide the sleeve over the top of the strut and install the pin to attach the top of the sleeve to the hinge. Don't forget to put a small dab of grease in the ball first.

[ezrez]

@Jeff,
Do power tops also use the shocks for the lid or just the top frame shocks?

[jeffnhiscars]

power tops have a power lid and no way to attach lid struts without modification. Power tops use the same struts as manual tops

[jeffnhiscars]

I have a fresh stock of soft top struts just in time for the nice weather. I don't have many but the good he's is that they are $79 shipped CONUS and for $109 you get deck lid struts as well.

Note that the plastic sleeves are readily available online if you need them so I am not including them with the struts

[jgilber0]

Failed struts destroyed my power top motor. Don’t let this happen to you!

PM and payment sent. Thank you Jeff!

[jeffnhiscars]

And if you need the plastic sleeves, which I recommend replacing, the PN is 54311943751 and they are about $7@