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Thread: Horizonal lift struts

  1. #1
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    Default Horizonal lift struts

    OK. Here it is. I have a Model 4 Speedster and I have a pair of the streamlines lift struts for the horizontal. The front attachment is the ball type adjustable but the rear is flat with a 1/4" hole. The bolt is 3/16". Is this too much "slop" that might cause excessive wear? I appreciate all advise. James Thomas

  2. #2
    Senior Member HighWing's Avatar
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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    James,
    The hole is supposed to be 3/16" as you know. I don't think I would be comfortable with the excess room. A couple of thoughts. I think the first thing I would try is to make a bushing that would reduce the hole diameter. An idea might be to get a couple of quarter inch steel pop rivets, remove the mandrel and drill to 3/16" ID and cut the free end slightly shorter than the tab thickness. If you weld or have a friend who does, you could weld the hole shut sand smooth and redrill.
    Lowell

  3. #3
    Senior Member jtpitkin06's Avatar
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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    Make bushings from a short piece of 1/4 inch O.D. steel brake line tubing available at auto parts or from salvage. The I.D. is 3/16


    JP

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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    I modified mine with rod ends for easy adjustment.

  5. #5
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    I scrapped mine with the rod ends for a solid "V" shaped strut. I was not happy with the idea of that tiny threaded rod-end.
    Av8r3400
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    I may have solved my problem. I have some hard nylon tubing, the type you might run control cables through. It's 3/16" inside diameter and 1/4" outside. I cut a piece just wide enough for the thickness of the strut and slid it on the bolt then through the lift strut. It should prevent any movement that might wallow out the 1/4" hole and give some cushioning too. What do y'all think, good fix or not? James Thomas

  7. #7
    Senior Member HighWing's Avatar
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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    Good idea, that would work for me.
    Lowell

  8. #8
    Super Moderator Av8r3400's Avatar
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    Default Re: Horizonal lift struts

    I would add a washer on either side and call her fixed.
    Av8r3400
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