Barry,

Thanks for the reminder that I owed you the McMaster-Carr part number for
the "miniature gas spring." It's 9417K5. I used one with 15# lift that seems
to work nicely. Saw that Skip Slater was recommending 30# which would be too
much for my application, but a 20# unit might hold the door open longer as
it ages and looses pressure?

A couple of notes to go with Barry's pictures in his earlier message: I
fastened the strut to a triangle-shaped piece of .060 6061 aluminum, but
almost any scrap would do. Configure it so the strut is aligned with
(pointed toward) the hinge pin when the door is closed. This applies almost
all the spring pressure to the hinge and minimizes warping of the door.
Adjust the mounting points so the door is open to the proper position when
the strut is fully extended. If you allow the door to open too far, you'll
chip the paint. When closed, the strut should have a small amount of
compressing travel left, but as long as it doesn't bottom out, it will work
properly. The gas spring will last longer if you mount it with the cylinder
part higher than the operating rod.

Bob Pastusek

Posted for "F. Barry Knotts" <bknotts@buckeye-express.com>:

Skip,

(Bob...are you there?)

I just came back from a visit with Bob Pastusek.  He has a very elegant
gas strut lifter for his baggage door on his IV-P.  I got photos and a
closeup of the strut.  He didn't have a part number, but he got it from
McMaster-Carr.  It's a "minature" and it is rated at 15 lbs.  Pictures
are attached.  Bob may be able to give you more information.

Barry Knotts
LIV-P, Toledo, Ohio
bknotts@earthlink.net


>>I have seen a couple of IV and ES aircraft that have a
>>gas strut on their baggage door. A part number or specifications would
be appreciated.