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Gas Spring(s) for a '39 Ford Trunk

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by FatFndr, May 11, 2007.

  1. FatFndr
    Joined: Jan 21, 2006
    Posts: 203

    FatFndr
    Member

    I have 2 gas springs from an old Mr. 40’s kit that hold up the trunk lid on my 1939 Ford Coupe and now after 9 years of use they are failing. I have been searching for replacements but all I can find is a new replacement “kit” for $200.00. I tried NAPA Murrays AutoZone, etc. with no success. The gas spring is 25” long, 22” when compressed (trunk lid down), has a ¾” pressure tube and a 3/8” piston rod. I don’t know the pressure, but I am guessing it should be about 30-40 lbs. Does anyone know where I can find replacements and what the pressure should be? Thanks :)
     
  2. evltwin
    Joined: May 11, 2006
    Posts: 73

    evltwin
    Member
    from Milford MI

  3. FatFndr
    Joined: Jan 21, 2006
    Posts: 203

    FatFndr
    Member

    McMaster-Carr had exactly what I was looking for. I have been looking for these for months and even searched the web......Thanks.
     
  4. FatRat
    Joined: Sep 8, 2003
    Posts: 206

    FatRat
    Member

    FatFndr,

    What is the McMaster-Carr part number? Do you have any pics of the shocks mounted in the car?

    I'm tired of using the broken ski pole as my trunk prop.
     
  5. hotrod mike
    Joined: Nov 21, 2006
    Posts: 1,728

    hotrod mike
    Member

    Yeah, I'd like to see a picture also. Part number would be great too. I'd like to use my piece of pvc pipe for something else. lol Thanks, Mike
     
  6. FatFndr
    Joined: Jan 21, 2006
    Posts: 203

    FatFndr
    Member

    Go to www.mcmaster.com. In the upper left corner is a tab labled "Find Product". Type GAS SPRING and it will pull up a description, formula and a variety of product to chose from as well as a price list. The one I will be using is a #4138T58 at $19.97/each. Use the formula (easy) and pick your gas spring.........good luck
     
  7. evltwin
    Joined: May 11, 2006
    Posts: 73

    evltwin
    Member
    from Milford MI

    That does not look like the part you described.

    Extended is 20.12" you needed 25".

    Is the 4138t61 Closer? It expands to 27.87" It is longer than you need. Can you go longer or is that why you are going with shorter one?
     
  8. evltwin
    Joined: May 11, 2006
    Posts: 73

    evltwin
    Member
    from Milford MI

    Catgalog page 1137.
     
  9. FatFndr
    Joined: Jan 21, 2006
    Posts: 203

    FatFndr
    Member

    I can use the 20.12" gas spring as I don't 100% compress the 25" one I currently have. If need be, I'll just adjust the bracket or easily make a new one. My angle is similiar to the 2nd photo middle gas spring on page 1137. I didn't design it, it came that way and as I mentioned, it only compresses about 3/4 the distance of the piston rod. I should be OK, the formula tells me to use two 50# gas springs, although I may redo my figures as that sounds like a bit much to me.
     

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