Gas Strut on 544 Boot lid
 

Was wondering if any of the PV544 owners out there have successfully fitted a gas strut (s) to assist with opening and holding their 544 boot lid. To me this is a sensible modification as the original latching mechanism is awful! I would be most grateful to anyone who could supply me with dimensions, brackets and gas strut pressure required to complete this update. Thank you.

Yes, I have thought of this, the latch is indeed awful. Given that the p/V boot lid is nowhere near as heavy as a 140 or 240 tailgate, an the opening arc is smaller, we would only need one (instead of the 2 on aforementioned), off something smaller. Various moderns have them, why not nip down to your local scrappers, say what you are doing, Ann they may point you to something suitable that you can experiment with? I haven’t heard of anyone else doing this, so you may be the first. When I bought mine, the previous owner had provided a stick to hold up lid. . .

I need to "get on my knees" to put anything in the boot. My goal is to put the hinges on the bottom, shave the handle and have a clamshell opening. :teeth_smile:

Pv544 boot gas struts
 

Hi
Yes I have fitted gas struts to my PV 544, the job was remarkably very simple to carry out once you ascertain the length of strut required.
You will need 2 x part No GSV8-200 Adjustable force gas struts & 4 x metal ball stud extensions there part number is T4 but you will need to phone the supplier and advise them you need there longer thread option. Standard thread options have a thread length of 13mm they can be used at a push but they are a bit short in as much that you cannot get a full nut on them. I spoke with SGS Engineering (the supplier) and they supplied Ball stud extensions that had a longer thread length of about 20mm that would take a full lock nut.
the supplier as mentioned was SGS engineering they have an online presence and helpline, Tom Radford was my contact.
I can send you a picture of the struts as fitted a PV544 please let me know if you want this as I was unable to download a picture I have onto this reply.
I actually made the brackets for mine but suitable ones are listed on eBay.
Don forget to remove the existing boot opening Pawl (again easy to do)
one final thing you will need to lock the boot as I forgot to do this once and it opened the boot when driving on poor road surface.
I hope this helps
Joe

Brilliant, Redbrock. Yes please, pics. Can u send via WhatsApp, on 07984319748?

Pv 544 gas strut conversion
 

Hi Morwenna240

Please see picture of boot gas strut conversion as carried on on PV544
As mentioned you need 2 x gas struts for the PV544.

The struts come with a Allen key to relieve the gas pressure as if fitted at factory preset pressure they are too severe.

Just relieve the pressure slowly out of each strut using the Allen key and following the instructions included with the struts until you get the pressure required to open the boot and hold it up.

the Mod was a godsend as it negated the need to stoop or kneel down to access the boot which now opens fully.

One final thing don't forget to remove the original Pawl that held the boot lid open prior to gas strut installation.

Ah, they not located on side, then. Thanks.

Only just seen your detailed reply and very much like the idea of the two gas struts you have fitted. I was contemplating one central gas strut but much prefer your idea. I will order struts from your supplier but would very much appreciate better photos of rear brackets as they appear very dark in the photo. Please WhatsApp some pics to 07796199912. Thank you.