[DML] Re: The Door Strut Experiment

["Rustproof" <Rustproof@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

All,
I just had an opportunity to install the Grady struts. My intention was to
take a few measurements to set a base- line for the test.    After I set my
torsion bars to the proper "Hang" point, (without struts, about 20 inches
from sill to door.) I installed the Grady lifts and let them go with just an
unlatching of the door and no other release assistance. The Grady struts
raised the doors with such force that the car rocked from side to side
several times! I actually had to check the mounts to see if they had been
damaged. I re-adjusted until the door's torsion bars without struts were set
to a point where they were so slack that they hung with only one inch
between the sill and the bottom of the door (Almost closed). I let them fly
and they still flew open with impressive force far greater than I would
recommend. I observed no "braking action" or deceleration whatsoever. They
landed hard. Closing them took considerably more force than I recall ever
using. In addition, I also have the extra weight of the door launcher
solenoids which is about an 2 extra pounds worth of components which adds
even more burden when you consider their mounting position relative to the
cantilever of the door. I would assume that proper torsion adjustment
compensates for the additional burden but not when they are that slack. I am
afraid to even try to use the launchers because they'll hit so hard I think
they'll crack the roof panel if launched simultaneously. Hearing all the
"they barely lift my door stories" I wasn't expecting this at all. These are
VERY powerful struts. The most surprising aspect was this first round was
observed at 68 degrees during the day and again at 39 degrees at night with
no discernable change. My old struts worked OK during the day with the sun
beating on it but were nearly worthless below 50 degrees.  I believe I may
have to re-think the parameters of this test a bit. Stay tuned...
Rustproof
Vin 1559
----- Original Message -----
From: "Shannon Yocom" <ssdelorean@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <Rustproof@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005 11:00 AM
Subject: Re: The Door Strut Experiment


> Rustproof,
> Can I get a copy of your uniform test specifications? I currently have
no-name
> struts on my car that are going to be replaced in a few days with new
Grady
> struts. I will be adjusting my tortion bars for the new struts and since I
> replaced the heavy solenoids with Toby's lighter actuators. I'm just
waiting for
> a good 70 to 80 degree day to do the adjusting.
>
> Shannon Y
> 16506
>
> --------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 8 May 2005 15:32:35 -0400
>    From: "Rustproof" <Rustproof@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: The Door Strut Experiment
>
> Everyone,
> OK, since I started this thread, I intend to finish it once and for all.
Since PJ
>
> Grady has been getting most of the heat (and bad press) and since he
guarantees
> his struts if not 100% satisfied, I am willing to bite the bullet in the
name of
> science and I have just ordered a set from him for some $79.00 plus
shipping. I
> will test them and evaluate them for all to see as I will post the result
as well
>
> as the conditions and parameters of the testing right here on the DML. (I
own an
> R&D company in New England and I think that makes me uniquely qualified) I
also
> have nothing better to do as my D is completely restored and now I'm just
> playing.
> If they are in fact unsatisfactory, I'll go to the next vendor until I get
a
> "good" set. (The evaluation may take some time but it will be worth it)
This
> will be
> of course a single random sample test but since this isn't getting
government
> funding, I'm not going to get ten samples from each vendor for a
cross-sectional
> average or double-blind study. (Sorry Marc, but I have a limited budget
for this
> sort of thing and we know your admirable position on VERY accurate
information!
> Please forgive me.) After the test, I think the vendor should have an
opportunity
> for
> rebuttal and comment. If anyone else is in need of struts, they are more t
han
> welcome to participate using another vendor or perhaps the same vendor to
confirm
>
> the veracity of my results. It will at least expedite the test series.
(You must
> have brand new, unused struts, properly adjusted torsion bars, a
thermometer, a
> tape measure, a keen eye and accurate information about your doors such as
added
> weight, ie; door launchers, window modifications or other goodies that add
to or
> subtract from the normal burden on the door to participate) Contact me if
you are
>
> willing to help and with the name of the vendor you wish to test. I will
send you
> a
> uniform test specification. Testing suggestions are welcome. Hey, it might
even
> be fun. Stay tuned....
> Rustproof
> Vin 1559
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Mail
> Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:
> http://tour.mail.yahoo.com/mailtour.html
>
>






To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address:
moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx

For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com

To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews 
Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/