I decided to install gas struts in my trunk and post a DIY for it. This probably won't be of interest to most ppl.
I thought my torsion springs were rattling and removed them to get rid of the noise. I think it helped some but I still have an issue to figure out with rear suspension. This could also be helpful to ppl with a spoiler but not strong enough springs, or ppl who installed bigger speakers in the rear deck.
I ordered the gas struts from http://www.mcmaster.com/#gas-struts/=qies5y
I ended up buying different length and strength struts to test out what would work best.
I ended up using 2(40 lb) strength gas struts. I bought the ones with the ball joint fittings already on them. Part number is 4138T58.
The trunk does not go up on its own when you hit the button. It needs help to go the first 6 inches or so then goes up on its own and stays up. I have 2(60) lb strength struts I might still try and see if that is any better. The problem tho is that you need more force when the trunk is almost closed and less force the more it opens. I dunno of any progressive rate gas struts, so this will have to do. I am happy with it.
Here is a pic of the gas strut.
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The tools I used for this project. I also used a set of files but they are not in the pic.
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Bought touch up primer and paint at Menards. They carry honda colors like my ssm. I used these to touch up the holes after drilling and cleaning them up.
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First thing I did was prop open the trunk with a board.
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Remove these clips from the holes on the hinges.
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I drilled 1/4" holes in the trunk hinges for an extra mounting point.
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I cut a bracket out of 1/8" aluminum using a dremel. I drilled the gas strut mounting hole and one of the 1/4" holes for mounting to the trunk hinge. I cleaned up the bracket with 180 grit sand paper on sanding block.
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Mount the bracket to the hinge with the top 1/4" bolt. Hold the bracket in position and use a marking tool thru the hinge to mark where to drill other mounting hole.
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2nd bracket made.
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Drill the lower mounting point for the gas struts. I tried 3 different mounting points on driver side. The lower mounting point works best. For these holes I made sure I drilled thru atleast 2 layers of sheet metal.
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Here is some of the hardware I used. For the hinges I used 1/4" bolts, washers, and locking nuts. I used grade 8 hardware, but it is not necessary.
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Mount the brackets on the hinges. Then mount the gas struts to the brackets and to the lower mounting points. Remove the board and you are done. :thumbsup:
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I thought my torsion springs were rattling and removed them to get rid of the noise. I think it helped some but I still have an issue to figure out with rear suspension. This could also be helpful to ppl with a spoiler but not strong enough springs, or ppl who installed bigger speakers in the rear deck.
I ordered the gas struts from http://www.mcmaster.com/#gas-struts/=qies5y
I ended up buying different length and strength struts to test out what would work best.
I ended up using 2(40 lb) strength gas struts. I bought the ones with the ball joint fittings already on them. Part number is 4138T58.
The trunk does not go up on its own when you hit the button. It needs help to go the first 6 inches or so then goes up on its own and stays up. I have 2(60) lb strength struts I might still try and see if that is any better. The problem tho is that you need more force when the trunk is almost closed and less force the more it opens. I dunno of any progressive rate gas struts, so this will have to do. I am happy with it.
Here is a pic of the gas strut.
The tools I used for this project. I also used a set of files but they are not in the pic.
Bought touch up primer and paint at Menards. They carry honda colors like my ssm. I used these to touch up the holes after drilling and cleaning them up.
First thing I did was prop open the trunk with a board.
Remove these clips from the holes on the hinges.
I drilled 1/4" holes in the trunk hinges for an extra mounting point.
I cut a bracket out of 1/8" aluminum using a dremel. I drilled the gas strut mounting hole and one of the 1/4" holes for mounting to the trunk hinge. I cleaned up the bracket with 180 grit sand paper on sanding block.
Mount the bracket to the hinge with the top 1/4" bolt. Hold the bracket in position and use a marking tool thru the hinge to mark where to drill other mounting hole.
2nd bracket made.
Drill the lower mounting point for the gas struts. I tried 3 different mounting points on driver side. The lower mounting point works best. For these holes I made sure I drilled thru atleast 2 layers of sheet metal.
Here is some of the hardware I used. For the hinges I used 1/4" bolts, washers, and locking nuts. I used grade 8 hardware, but it is not necessary.
Mount the brackets on the hinges. Then mount the gas struts to the brackets and to the lower mounting points. Remove the board and you are done. :thumbsup:
