Technical 63 Suburban rear hatch extenders/supports?

I am about to install the rear clamshell doors on my 63 Suburban/panel. I converted from barn doors. I was wondering if anybody had ever tried adapting the hydraulic supports from a late model SUV to hold the upper part of the clamshell open. I have located a couple of original pieces, but it crossed my mind that the hydraulic supports might be much nicer. Anybody have any experience with that?
TIA
Dave

 

McMaster Carr sells a variety of gas springs, as well as different types of ends for them. You'd need to figure out what force and length of springs you need. That thing is heavy, as you've probably discovered.

 

Did you ever install the struts?

 

I thought about putting them on my 66 Suburban, but decided to stay with the struts.
I did put them on my 67 Nova's trunk lid and they work really good, but my suggestion is to not get them mail order unless you are either an engineer or are good at math, otherwise you could rack up a hefty bill with Fedex on returns.
I got mine from NAPA because they let me borrow one of their catalogs to study and IIRC, it still took four tries.

 

Thanks, will check it out

 

Not yet...got distracted trying to install a new wiring kit

 

I may go that route too. I have been "working" on this beast for about 4 years, and am getting close to having it run. I am thinking I will get it going and then try to upgrade.