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EWG

Member Since: 20 Sep 2015
Location: Betws y Coed, North Wales
Posts: 102

Upper tailgate "cat flap" S2a

I've got a 1962 2a 88" Hardtop with the upper tailgate but the locking mechanism to hold it in place in the raised position is missing.

I know that some owners have used the gas struts from end of life hatchbacks.

Does anybody know how it's done, which ones to buy and from which car please?

There;s a 17 second video on U Tube but there's not a lot of detail on it just the hiss/whoosh sound as the S2's owner raises the tailgate.

Any ideas anybody?

Thank you.

20th May 2018 10:18pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17373

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey

When I did a similar conversion on a S1, I simply figured out the length, stroke, and force required and ordered appropriate struts from Struts Direct.

https://strutsdirect.metrol.com

20th May 2018 10:49pm

EWG

Member Since: 20 Sep 2015
Location: Betws y Coed, North Wales
Posts: 102

Thank you very much for your help and for the link.

21st May 2018 12:37pm

Ramsay

Member Since: 30 Sep 2015
Location: Moffat, Dumfries & Galloway
Posts: 627

1995 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Auto Keswick Green

The original mechanism of rods with forked end or sliding sheet steel ones are not great. it involves resting the door on your head every time you use it. If you are OK to forgo originality using gas struts is a better way to go. 1995 Defender 110 CSW
1971 SIIA Lightweight

21st May 2018 12:42pm

blackwolf

Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17373

When I did my S1 I was able to avoid needing any extra holes and the mod was untraceably reversible. I'm sorry I can't provide any pics but I subsequently went back to a full tilt and the HT is flat packed and in store.

21st May 2018 2:54pm

JimC

Member Since: 22 Jan 2011
Location: NOVA
Posts: 164

2007 Defender 130 300 Tdi HCPU Arles Blue

I bought mine from McMaster-Carr, which is a US website but probably the best thing ever made by humans. I selected a pair of struts and ordered stainless mounting hardware from the extensive selection of parts. Only problem was I ordered slightly weak struts the first time. I think I got 20 pounders at first and bumped it up to 30.

So much better than the folding fish fork that comes stock.

21st May 2018 4:23pm

JimC

Member Since: 22 Jan 2011
Location: NOVA
Posts: 164

Here is some info from when I added the hard top and lift gate to my 90:

http://www.defendersource.com/forum/f47/co...11092.html

21st May 2018 4:45pm

EWG

Member Since: 20 Sep 2015
Location: Betws y Coed, North Wales
Posts: 102

Thank you all for your assistance gentlemen.

21st May 2018 6:18pm

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