Rear hatch struts - regas as good as new

[Threesevens]

That sounds like a much better option then! Gives an excuse to buy another Rockauto bundle

give me a shout if you order some Jesse, I might have a pair as well and a few other bits and we can split the shipping

Here is a current Rock discount Code "8252150266661147"

Please order a pair for me as well

[Casey]

Sorry guys, if I'd have known there was this much interest I've had held back on my order and done a "Group Buy" to share shipping costs

I didn't hang around as I need to get the car sorted for a show in early June and I know my time will be limited over the next month, but I could always have popped the old struts back on if needed.

Good news is, RockAuto have confirmed the items have been shipped, so I can give some feedback on the Strongarm strut and (re)confirm it's a suitable replacement for the OEM unit, maybe before you guys order some more

[KYPREO]

I checked and to hide the RHS strut wires i used 25mm heat shrink tube (shrinks down to 12.5mm). I also remembering turning it inside out to hide the text!

[KiwiDave]

Anyone know what size spanner removes the strut from the body frame?

Needs quite a thin spanner to get in there too.

12mm too large and 11mm too small. Don't want to round the thing off. Only replacing one side for now.

[Casey]

^^ the nut on mine is a very snug 12mm. I assume series 2 & 3 use the same struts!

[KiwiDave]

Oh. Wasn't expecting that. I would have thought S2/S3 would be the same as well although Mazda does love playing that game of changing sizes and thread pitches for no apparent rerason.

Ingenuity required then.

[Casey]

Oh dear! if they are different on S2 to S3, maybe the Strongarm ones I've just ordered will have different fixings to the ones I need

I did order for a 1982 model RX-7 off the RockAuto website, but I know from previous experience that's not always reliable!

[KiwiDave]

I haven't checked for measurement but the Strongarm fixings look identical to what I have on the car. You even get a new circlip.

And looked again at RockAuto listings. Same Strongarm item fits 79 thru 85

[Casey]

Phew, that's a relief then

The struts have currently reached the DHL hub in Germany, so maybe here by the weekend!

[Casey]

The pair of "Strongarm" rear glass struts arrived today, delayed in customs, where I got stung for an extra £22 in customs duty and handling charges (2 struts and some other bits). Still much cheaper than the SGS units though

They are certainly very strong c.f. the old units! It's very hard to compress them, whereas I can compress the old units very easily.
They look very OEM, so I will try the trick of replacing just the right side only. There are (very vague, but workable)) instructions included to refit all the electrical gubbins on the left hand strut, should I need to replace that one too.

Strut size and fittings look spot on - really impressed by the quality!

I've still got some refurb work to do around the hatch area, but hope to refit the glass next week.



Old OEM unit top, new one below: