Hatchback Struts

[franks78kc]

Hello, I'm new to Stangnet & the MII scene. I've owned 3 other Mustangs & am the current owner of a 78 KC. Does anyone out there know how to remove the old hatch struts? They look to be factory. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Frank

 

[Project 77]

Welcome Frank...what color KC? as far as the struts go I went to a local auto parts store and got some for the rear hatch, they were kinda salty though...25 bucks a piece

oops had to edit...sorry I thought you needed to know where to get them...next time i'll read

 

[franks78kc]

Red KC

It's bright red, with the gold & orange hood Cobra & accents. The car was originally titled in Cal., so it's pretty much rust free. The front airdam needs to be stripped & repainted, but it is intact.

 

[LXXVICOBRA]

Hello, I'm new to Stangnet & the MII scene. I've owned 3 other Mustangs & am the current owner of a 78 KC. Does anyone out there know how to remove the old hatch struts? They look to be factory. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Frank

Welcome!
To answer your question....There is a clip on the end of the strut where it attaches to the hatch lid or body (can't remember which). It's a part of the strut assembly. Simply push the clip in the direction of the assembly's shaft, and it will release off the ball end of the part screwed into the hatch lid. The other end will then pop off rather easily once its hanging free. You may have to use a little pressure or twisting action after the clip is opened, but nothing more than that. If you still arent sure, look at the replacement units and it will become more clear.

 

[THE COBRAMAN]

LXXVICOBRA: Your '76 roots are showing

The '78s use a different fastener on the ends. There is a small rectangular "wedge" that needs to be pried out/up to release the struts from the ball studs. You should see a little notch in the plastic next to it. I have used a pocket screwdriver in the past to work the wedge out, although they can be difficult to remove. Being 25 year old plastic, they're not particularly durable. MIGHT be able to get a pair of pliers on them to pull the "wedge" out, been a while since I messed with a '78.

My '77 still has the ORIGINAL wire clip type struts on it (wires rotted off years ago), which still hold the gate open. I do pay close attention though, been smacked in the head on other cars, and it seems they're getting a little weak.

 

[THE COBRAMAN]

Thought I would add, be very careful when buying replacement struts, the set that were sold to my father-in-law were slightly longer than the originals.

Did you know that if the struts are slightly longer, the liftgate can overextend and chip the paint off the top of the liftgate when it contacts the jamb?

Guess how I know

 

[78Mach1]

Thought I would add, be very careful when buying replacement struts, the set that were sold to my father-in-law were slightly longer than the originals.

Did you know that if the struts are slightly longer, the liftgate can overextend and chip the paint off the top of the liftgate when it contacts the jamb?

Guess how I know

probably the same way I found out that the set on my Mach are replacement struts that were too long and did the same thing. At least I figured that out before the paint is getting done, so I can get a shorter set to put in so I don't do it again after the new paint is done

 

[zwhitr]

Thought I would add, be very careful when buying replacement struts, the set that were sold to my father-in-law were slightly longer than the originals.

Did you know that if the struts are slightly longer, the liftgate can overextend and chip the paint off the top of the liftgate when it contacts the jamb?

Guess how I know

Never had any problem with paint although my hinge plates rusted out years ago and I had so welding done probably relocated them slightly.

My struts are so long I have to stand on my tip toes to reach the hasp loop to close it ---I'm only 5' 6" but can reach over 7 feet