RicerSchnitzzle

On my daughter's '78 the ***** on the body that the rear struts attach to were rusted and broke off. I have new shocks for the hatch but nothing to attach them to on that end.

Any one have a quick cheap fix? Guessing I'll have to drill out what's left of the old ones and tap the hole for a larger ball. Where can I find a large ball?

Thanks!

Mrmerlin

you might try a NAPA store or Autozone (in the help section) the new ***** might be able to come from a throttle linkage system . you might have to drill a back hole on the other side of the hatch to get access to the back side of the ball seat area. Another option might be to see if the ends of the shocks remove and thread on a heim joint then make a new hole as the heim might be a bit longer then use a bolt to secure it

wildwestsydney

Check Mcmaster carr they will have the ball studs.

http://www.mcmaster.com

Rod Underwood

Here's how I fixed mine.

https://rennlist.com/forums/928-forum/261353-hatch-shock-connector-ball.html

Rod

RicerSchnitzzle

Thanks,

So I take the broken ***** out of the old struts, tap a hole through them, insert a 10/32 bolt, grind the head off and then tap the car to recieve the ball. Locktite to make sure things stay snug?

Sounds pretty easy.

Rod Underwood

Grind the head off "after" you tighten it up. That way you have something to use to tighten it and make sure you use permanent Locktite.

Rod

dr bob

Marine stores sell the ball replacements with studs on them to 'shore up' drooping hatch covers. BoatUS and West Marine have them locally at their retail stores. I use a threaded insert system called NutSerts, which install like a pop rivet except they have a threaded hole in the middle. H-D used to carry a similar product and may still. Anyway, you'll drill a hole in the old metal, install the nutsert, thread the ball into the nutsert with a drop of loc-tite, let it dry, snap the shock onto the ball. Piece of cake!

Mrmerlin

Dr Bob I have used these as well not for a strut, but the nutsert seems to work well