VN Boot torque rod upgrade

[bjf66]

Looking around the boot area today, found left rear torque rod had snapped off at 90 degree bend
Always wondered why the boot wouldn’t stay up, when it was being driven 15 yrs ago not sure how long it’s been like that as car has been sitting for 14 yrs
Is there an easy factory upgrade to struts ?
I have had a senator spoiler on boot, which is going to be replaced with aero spoiler so most probably a 2-3 kg weight
Or do we need to use strut to compliment the torque bars to lift boot

 

[BlackVXGTS]

You'd need something like in the picture below if you want to use struts:

 

[shane_3800]

If you're going to the trouble maybe look into linear actuators. You can use the latch but it won't be needed.
A guy at work has them on his utes hard lid no locks required.

 

[bjf66]

You'd need something like in the picture below if you want to use struts:

View attachment 221300

BlackVXGTS
Thanks had a read and looks like VT boot spoiler strut will do the job,
nice pic thanks

 

[gtrboyy]

vr/s came out with boot strut kit for models with rear spoiler.

Hdt cars got extra spring to help hold up boots with spoilers...think can still get boot kit.

 

[bjf66]

yes you can still get the spring for $42 from HDT, I wonder whether it actually works better than the strut option?
BOOT SPRING KIT - HDT Special Vehicles | HDT Special Vehicles

 

[bjf66]

manage to get the torque bars from wreck
taking out the last, inner bar a little tricky as when it popped out the boot came a crashing down and hit the head lucky beany softened the blow

 

[bjf66]

Torque bars in
A little nerve racking getting bars in the mounting holes
But boot pops up now with boot release
Be interesting to see happens when I get the spoiler on there

 

[VPRob]

When I got my VP (many years ago now) there were no rubber bump stops on the boot and some of the welds which support that area were/are cracked. I've needed to improvise to stop the boot from bouncing against the rubber stops (now in place) to reduce the flexing and further fatiguing of that part of the car. Not sure about welding in that area because of proximity to rear windscreen, carpeting, rubber seals etc. so I've just acted to stop further deterioration. I have thought that adding a spoiler might be another way of stopping the boot from flying open and bouncing against the stops.