Keeping Rod Locker open with Pistons

[Foodeefish]

I am tired of the rod locker and all the other storage areas falling on my hands or head each time I open it. I know the new boats have hydralic pistons in their storage areas to keep them open.
What size would you use on a old 1984 373V Ranger for the dod locker and other storage areas and how many would each locker need and where do you put them- the side or in the middle.

Thanks

 

[WAVENBYE2]

Re: Keeping Rod Locker open with Pistons

Sounds like a pretty easy fix, Do your home work on the computer and find replacement hydrolic shocks and just fix it up more modern.

 

[baggersteve]

Re: Keeping Rod Locker open with Pistons

Auto parts store carry them in stock. If it's a light lid, I would go with one on either side.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Keeping Rod Locker open with Pistons

Finding the struts is easy, it is the ends that are gonna get you.

I have seen them in Bass pro and Cabelas and I am sure iboats has them, look here first of coarse.

They are a little salty but worth it, I did all the doors on my boat including the livewell and it is great.

Used to have lock springs on them and it was kind of a pain, the shocks are way better, the hardest part about getting them on is finding just the right spot to where it will hold the door but not pop it open when you are trailering the boat or hit a wave.

Heres how I did mine.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Keeping Rod Locker open with Pistons

I think the items you are looking for are gas shocks or struts typically used on hatchbacks and stuff. You can find this usually in all sort of lengths and pressures at your local auto store.
I agree definitely with 5150 on this in that finding the right mount spot is important. Tha said the mount arrangement is probably more important than the size.
They should be mounted so that when the hatch is closed and they are compressed the linear thru axis has gone 'overcentre' so that they are actually holding the lid down somewhat. If you get this mount incorrect they will always be pushing up on the lid and you will need a latch to hold it down and when you release that latch they will pop up at you.
Think of the mount sort of like the way a vise-grip works...take a look at a pair and check out the action, if that helps.
Keep us posted.
BP