Hello,

Im sure this has been on the threads before but I cant seem to find it, anyway conclusion of previous thread was that latch may have some issues in the future because its constantly under pressure.. on the Octy II forums they found some sources for these special springs which seems quite interesting.. the alternative was to use hydraulic struts from different cars.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/164486-automatic-boot-completed/

Has anyone done either method on their boot and lived to tell the tail..? :yes:

Really find it pointless of the boot button if I still have to go over there and lift it myself.. So imo this mod is really worthwhile if its sustainable.

Any help in my search for answers appreciated. Thanks!

I'm sure someone did this on a Fab with the Transit valve Springs but it didn't have enough thrust to reach the struts lift point.

With the springs from that Octty thread it might work if they produce more throw, but that's more tension on the catch and it's really not designed for it.

i read the other thread earlier about the red die springs on the octy so it prompted me to have a look at the fabia.Im thinking that the struts will be fine as there is no more pressure when open or closed imho.As for the catch i cant see it being a massive problem either until someone has a major issue to prove the spring ruining it theory right.I guess at a push the catch on the boot lid could be spaced out a little using washers whilst still keeping a good weather seal.Im going to have a crack tomorrow with some suspension springs off my 1/8th scale rc car to see what happens before i fork put £10 for the red die springs. Ill keep you posted.

ive also been looking into this recently and its something id really like to do. altho as its been mentioned it only seems to be the octy which its been done on. im gonna keep checking back to see how matt gets on tomorrow would look very smart

jordan

I've looked at the boot strut earlier today and there's about 10mm of gap when fully closed boot, and requires a stretch of 40-50mm I'd say (guesstimate), shall find out the lift weight somehow tomorrow.. will also confirm measurements too.

I've looked at the boot strut earlier today and there's about 10mm of gap when fully closed boot, and requires a stretch of 40-50mm I'd say (guesstimate), shall find out the lift weight somehow tomorrow.. will also confirm measurements too.

Isnt that usingone of those weight mesures on the hook and spring.

Remove struts - unlock boot - hook on edge of boot - Pull? SIMPLES!

Right just had a go with some old r/c car springs and I'm sad to say it doesn't work! There simply isn't enough expansion of the spring when under weight. So I've ordered some heavy duty springs from the link in the ops post and will give them a go. Providing they are better at becoming "unsprung" under weight then I reckon it'll work fine. Watch this space!

Right just had a go with some old r/c car springs and I'm sad to say it doesn't work! There simply isn't enough expansion of the spring when under weight. So I've ordered some heavy duty springs from the link in the ops post and will give them a go. Providing they are better at becoming "unsprung" under weight then I reckon it'll work fine. Watch this space!

Right just had a go with some old r/c car springs and I'm sad to say it doesn't work! There simply isn't enough expansion of the spring when under weight. So I've ordered some heavy duty springs from the link in the ops post and will give them a go. Providing they are better at becoming "unsprung" under weight then I reckon it'll work fine. Watch this space!

Load weight wont be enough.

The only other problem some people have is the boot unlocks but dosent unlatch...... does it have to go round the strut like that? can you not put it in another location?

Load weight wont be enough.

The only other problem some people have is the boot unlocks but dosent unlatch...... does it have to go round the strut like that? can you not put it in another location?

I knew the load weight of rc springs wouldnt be suffice but it doesnt hurt to try so you can get an idea of open and closed space restrictions on the struts.The heavy duty die springs linked in another thread will be more than enough for the job as they work in an octavia estate which has a bigger/heavier boot lid.As for the latch not unlatching i will look into that and possibly use some washers to space it out whilst keeping the seal in working order.

Edited 19 July, 201015 yr by Matt_N

if it works on the Fabia who would be up for asking for a mass purchase discount?

Group buy!!!!!!

if it works on the Fabia who would be up for asking for a mass purchase discount?

Group buy!!!!!!

if they work then id be happy to organise something but lets wait and see if it will work.Should be by the weekend!

Isnt that usingone of those weight mesures on the hook and spring.

Remove struts - unlock boot - hook on edge of boot - Pull? SIMPLES!

Newton meter? don't have one of them :p think people who go fishing or butcheries will though.. :wonder:

Maybe kitchen scales or similar may work.....

well the springs came today so might get chance to try them out tomorrow! They seem a bit too stiff though if im honest!

hey good luck tomorrow and i just found this ob youtube, SAME springs, altho the fabia boot is smaller and lighter and has a smaller moment to hopefull the springs work.

jordan

weight distribution?

the Fabia boot is more like the estate............. the angle on the hatch on the octy is too much..... the spring will have to work harder as it has to open 'Up' not out.

yeah thats right, the distant between were the boot pivots and where its anchored to the boot is massive on the saloon in comparision to the fabia. id say these springs will work a treat

matt is it just the case of gluing these in place to the top of the struts?

thanks

yeah thats right, the distant between were the boot pivots and where its anchored to the boot is massive on the saloon in comparision to the fabia. id say these springs will work a treat

matt is it just the case of gluing these in place to the top of the struts?

thanks

I think most people put them in shrink wrap and overlap some on to the strut, an inch or two before applying heat.

well the springs came today so might get chance to try them out tomorrow!

its tomorrow?

just spent the last hour on the drive and im sorry to say this isnt going to work with these springs.They have the power to spring the boot up no probs but theyre too long so the boot wont shut!Even after cutting the springs so the boot shuts and they are snug on the closed lifter they then dont have enough length to spring the boot up far enough!

As far as this goes its now dead to me!

i just found this ob youtube, SAME springs...

That's my Octy

Those same springs worked perfectly in an Octavia estate, but the hatchback boot is much heavier. Heavier duty springs might help, but haven't tried it yet.

The other issue with these die springs is they shouldn't be regularly compressed more than 25% of their length or they'll wear out quicker. In the Octavia hatchback they were compressed as much as they'd go, and only just fitted on the gas strut when the boot was closed.

Sounds like the Fabia is the similar in that the gas strut doesn't leave much space for a spring when fully closed.

A possible answer would be a shorter, heavier duty spring with more tension, like the gold coloured ones from the same range. Links to data stats for Red & Gold springs are below:

Red Heavy Duty Die Springs

Gold Extra Heavy Duty Die Springs

Bearing Boys sell most of these in the UK

If you measure up the space left on the metal (inner) rod of the gas strut when the boot is closed, then look on the spring charts (probably the gold one) for a short enough spring that'll fit, but has comparible load force to the 16x51 red spring - it might just do the trick.

Edited 21 July, 201015 yr by rossm

Good news or bad news?

Good News - Bearing boys are only round the corner from me (just need the required the required spring to get and i can try)

Bad news - im broke atm so wont be till mid/late next week.

While i remember, how do i get the end of the shock off? is it just screwed on?

Edited 21 July, 201015 yr by vRSsunroof

If its the same as the Octavia, theres a small circlip on either end of the gas strut, you want to be half-removing the one on the narrow end of the strut (i.e. the one nearest the back of the car). A small flat screwdriver will prise it out. It will come off completely, but its easier to leave it halfway off (because it can be tricky to get back on). Once the circlip is undone, the end of the strut will just pull away from the boot door (its just a ball joint holding it on). At this point, quickly dive to the left (or right) to avoid the falling boot from hitting your head

After catching and propping up the boot, the plastic bit on the end of the gas strut will unscrew. You might need to hold the metal rod bit (lightly) with a pair of pliers or mole grips. An adjustable spanner works for unscrewing the plastic bit if its tight.

Image below of the circlip (easier than it looks to pop out)...

Edited 21 July, 201015 yr by rossm

So, you got it to work but the springs didn't fit..

Shorter, yet springier spring then?

Or a strut with a shorter body?

Principle is defined in Hookes law on springs.

Simple spring balance to weigh the tailgate etc.

Then try Lee springs (based in the midlands) on line calculator to design the required spring(s) They are willing to make prototypes

To gain more length it might be necassary to have a longer spring that actually fits over gas strut but is held by the end of the gas strut as at present (means a 'cup' washer assembly)

Alternative is as sugested a different gas spring - online calculators can be used and then find a supplier - not cheap but solution?