http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSAN-240Z-1970-to-1973-Rear-Hatch-Lift-Support_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33656QQihZ013QQitemZ230154360042QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohosting

Has anyone tried this replacement strut on a 70-73? I can see that the ends are not the same as the OE strut, but it looks like it could be made to work.

Looks like a cheap Kragen Auto, Autozone, Pep Boys universal fit type replacement. And if you have an early single strut hatch, those won't do you any good. I bought similar ones back when I had my 1992 Nissan NX1600 and they started to get weak after about 8 months or so.

The variations of these struts is endless. I haven't seen a OEM strut for a 240 in years. Length is a critical issue as well as the lifting power. the guy claims that it will fit and work on a early Z . For the price it seems like a reasonable offer. You will need to use your old mounting hardware on the new unit. Let us know how you come out. And if it is good the name of the maker and part number. Gary

Looks like the one bought for my 71. Its a Dorman # C072-430. Years later it still works great.

Tail Gate strut

Dorman # C072-430 (Schucks) $19.99

Mighty Lift # 95019 (from Autozone) $15.99

The actual application for this strut is.

200SX Hatch 1980-83 C072-430

Celica Hatch 1982-85 C072-430

Corolla Sta. Wagon w/o Rear Wiper Hatch 1979-83 C072-430

I believe mine were Motormite. Mine never seemed to be all that strong and over time I had to raise them all the way up or the hatch wouldn't stay up. That was my one and only experience w/aftermarket lift supports. Regardless of what the ad says, they are somewhat universal as evidenced by Dave's post. When I said 'cheap' I meant to imply that he was overcharging for them and you can find them virtually anywhere for less.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Mine still works reasonably well, but it's one of those things that I've been keeping my eye open to find a replacement before it fails. I'm thinking I'll pass on the ebay strut and when mine begins to weaken, I'll try one of the local parts store replacements. I'd rather buy a better quality unit, but for the early Zs it doesn't appear there are any sources other than these universals.

I bought mine from Rockauto, same type of ball mount, works great, about 20-30 bucks

A buddy of mine bought a set of those from Rockauto also and I helped him install them. As I recall, they were made by AC Delco and looked to be better quality that the chain store type. I also recall his saying that he could buy 5 sets from Rockauto for what one single OEM strut would cost, if you can find them.

I recently bought a similar one for my '71. I did have to drill out the pin on the hatch side and then drill a slightly larger hole in the 90 deegree mounting bracket so I could put a threaded ball on that end to accept the strut, but it works great! I think I paid under $20.00 for mine at the local NAPA store, though.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Astrohog