Putting gas struts for poptop

[Gregg9020]

I am getting ready to put some struts on the poptop. Where should I put them??? I know where, but what is the best location in relation to the Aluminmum supports. I am thinking parralell (SP) to the top and the bottom. I am looking for measurements from the existing mounts.Thanks to all!!!By the way...... I have to do this on three boats, so the best place is critical.Gregg

 

[Timo42]

Just do yours last ;D

I can measure mine tomorrow, the wind Charley Cobra sent us is too cold to go out in, must be 50 degrees, you still want that rudder? My mother asked about it.  Tim

 

[Gregg9020]

We do..... I have to get Jack there and pick

it up......... He still wants it.On another note.......50 degrees????? toooo cold????? We are in the high 30's and low 40's in the morning, and that is not too cold. 50 is nothing. I will talk to Jack tomorrow, and see when he wants to get it.But I still need the strut pic. I have three boats to install them on.Thanks,Gregg

 

[Timo42]

Sorry I didn't get the pics Sun,

some @#$%^ broke into my truck Sat night, got my camera, laptop and ham radio *cry  maybe tomorrow, the big thing is to make sure the strut holds the top as high as it will go so you have to push it forward to get it down instead of just pushing it down, the struts don't interfere with the supports as you move it, and the top closes fully without bottoming out the strut. Tim

 

[David22141]

Pop top supportTim;

Tim;Very helpful, good pictures. Definetly something I want to do. Just curious: Why 90 lb struts? Just seems little high??Thanks, David

 

[caguy]

Good job Timo.

Thinking about putting info into a Pfd format so that it can be uploaded to the boat information section. The pictures disappear after the post is archived.How's the hooping looking for Wed night? I have to run to Tehachappi today and pick my dad up for a medical appointment tomorrow. Weather looks like it has settled down.Frank

 

[Timo42]

That top is heavy

I tried 45 lb struts that someone else suggested, that would barely hold the top up, this firmly supports the top when it is up but lets it lay flat without tiedowns when it is down, my wife can put the top up or down. Tim

 

[Vitger]

Do you need both/a pair installed?

Or one will do?Thanks! Nice pics!

 

[caguy]

Timo42 posted your picts and description to Mac25 improvements.

Your work has been sent into the internet ether in perpetuity.Frank

 

[Vitger]

Would this fit a 1995 Mac 26C as well?

I guess it would but would like to avoid drilling holes in unecessary places...Thanks again!

 

[Gregg9020]

I say Yes

to both of your questions. Yes to two struts so it goes up level, and doesn't warp. And Yes to putting on a 26. Just do a mock install and open your poptop and open the struts and mark a point, then close the top and the strut, and mark the other points.Good luck

 

[Timo42]

Yes I have 2 struts

and the big thing is making sure nothing binds when down, you can see the extra hole in the rear on the first picture Tim Thanks Frank, I am immortal now

 

[Vitger]

Thanks Greg and Timo!

Now I am only waiting for the snow to go away once and for all so I can get to my baby and start working on her.

 

[Timo42]

Snow?

Oh yea, that stuff in the mountains ;D

 

[Vitger]

yes you got it

*cry

 

[Mike B1026]

Struts

Can someone supply a link to those struts? I tried West Marine but that part number came up invalid.

 

[Gregg9020]

Let me look them up.

I can do it in the morning. I have a faster connection at work........

 

[venture rick]

just what I did

I put a set on my 22 which I purchased at auto zone. I simply replaced the bolts that the aluminum pop top support struts pivot on with a slightly longer one so that I could clear the diameter of the gas cllinder and secured the other end about halfway up the other strut. I drilled a hole in the aluminum for that end. it works great

 

[caguy]

Venture Rick I'm having trouble visualizing what you did.

Do you have pictures? Are you in Mast-up storage at MDR? If so may I take a peek into your cabin?Frank

 

[Timo42]

Now I have to go back

and check the length, they may be 20" at least thats the longest one listed now, this is the page in the w/m catalog, has the mounting brackets too. Brackets I used are the 8509085 and the 8509051. Tim