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GROUP BUY: Stabilus Damper/Struts for Center Console Lid (Armrest Shock Replacement)
- Thread starter a777fan
- Start date
Was able to work up the prototype today. The required mods are a tad bit more entailed than I was thinking they would be, but on the whole not too bad. Looks very similar to what was required for the ‘ivanned’ struts.
The tabs of the ‘hat’ as well as some of the length needs to be cut back. I knew the tabs needed to be removed, but didn’t think the overall length would be an issue. Oh well!
If you look closely, you can see that I chose to paint the hat black prior to installation. The material its made out of (aluminum I assume) is quite shiny, and the paint helps hide my ‘handy’ work. I will NOT be painting any of the shipped struts. I’ll leave it to the end user to decide the best path there.
I was able to make two of these today in my limited time this weekend. Each taking about 8.5 minutes to complete. I plan on cranking out a few each day, so your patience is appreciated!
And the results with new straps!
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The tabs of the ‘hat’ as well as some of the length needs to be cut back. I knew the tabs needed to be removed, but didn’t think the overall length would be an issue. Oh well!
If you look closely, you can see that I chose to paint the hat black prior to installation. The material its made out of (aluminum I assume) is quite shiny, and the paint helps hide my ‘handy’ work. I will NOT be painting any of the shipped struts. I’ll leave it to the end user to decide the best path there.
I was able to make two of these today in my limited time this weekend. Each taking about 8.5 minutes to complete. I plan on cranking out a few each day, so your patience is appreciated!
And the results with new straps!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Attachments
I was able to grind my own ivanned strut tips carefully
So as not to go into the threads. It can be done.
As I also said in the how-to, it’s helpful to file the black plastic slot in the arm-rest slightly to help fit the end of the strut into it. Gives it a little more room to move freely once installed.
So as not to go into the threads. It can be done.
As I also said in the how-to, it’s helpful to file the black plastic slot in the arm-rest slightly to help fit the end of the strut into it. Gives it a little more room to move freely once installed.
Thanks, Jon! What happens if the length is not adjusted? Also, do you have to grind them so flat that it dips into the threads inside?
Video looks way cool.
Dave,
Thanks! Whether or not the thread area is exposed is a function of the way the 'hat' was originally built. The quality control on the hats does not seem to be the best, and on some you can see the thread bore exposed prior to any rework. The first hat I posted pictures of only has a small portion of the bore visible. The second post (where I showed off the required modifications) the thread bore is more visible on the un-modified example. The amount of exposed thread bore varies from example to example. The second picture turned out horrible, so let me know if you want me to post additional photos for reference. I remove the 'hats' for the modification work, so the strut itself is not damaged in any way during the procedure. The modified 'hat' seems happy as can be, and snugs up on the strut nice and tight, even with the thread bore exposed as shown.
As Gerry mentioned, if the overall length of the 'hat' is not reduced, the edge catches on the slot provided in the lower portion of the armrest and does not allow for full travel. The slot in the armrest can be lengthened, but a shortening of the strut hat also works. I didn't want to modify the armrest, so I shortened up the strut hat.
To all group buy participants:
If you have requested that I mod your strut(s) and aren't happy with the above shown modification, please let me know and I will ship them un-modified. This is absolutely no problem on my end. Don't worry, I won't be offended.
Indeed.
Just to re-iterate... the group buy is closed. I (personally) won't be entertaining any offers for 'extras' until all group buy participants have received their order. Sorry if that's harsh, but its the policy I laid out when the group buy ended, and its the only way to remain fair to those who decided to 'pony up' and get us to the 100 qty order.
Additionally, it should not be expected that the group buy price will be extended to anyone seeking available extras. The selling price will have to be negotiated with whomever decides that they have extras and wants to part with them.
That house looks pretty sparsely furnished. Are you sure you’re not diverting too much money to hoarding parts and not enough toward buying furniture?
Did you know that the post office will deliver you as many priority mail boxes as you want, for absolutely free?!?? All different sizes too!!!
#boxcouch #boxchair #boxbed
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I shipped all orders today that did not request any stop straps (stock AND modified). If you are in that category, please check your PM's as I have messaged you tracking info!
To those still waiting on Stop straps: I have reached out to Naperville multiple times regarding the order, and have not yet heard anything back. I will get on the old land line tomorrow and figure out what is going on. Thanks for your continued patience!
Thanks Triple-Trouble, for you of your efforts and hard work. I know very well what a PITA these group buys are to administer and arrange and get things mailed out. You're making a lot of parts hoarders very happy with your efforts here. Thank you for doing this yeoman's work.
Cheers,
Gerry
Cheers,
Gerry
Just got off the horn with Renee at Naperville. Turns out we ordered so many of the little stops, they needed to source from every available MB warehouse available! 
The last 4 should be arriving in Naperville today, and they will be shipping to me today or Monday!
The last 4 should be arriving in Naperville today, and they will be shipping to me today or Monday!
Here are some comparison photos of the ivanned struts with the Triple-Trouble Stabilus struts.
A few differences:
1) The screw-on ends are near-identical between the struts, though the Stabilus strut ends show threads on each side. The ivanned ends do not show threads.
2) The screw-on ends seem to be interchangeable between the ivanned and Stabilus units. Meaning if you have previously installed an ivanned strut, you can re-use the ground down screw-on end on the Stabilus unit.
3) The Stabilus struts have a fixed other end at the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder. The ivanned struts have a second, screw-on end that goes into a threaded shaft. This second screw-on end is identical to the end piece that must be ground down.
4) You can see the lengths/dimensions are slightly different, though the overall dimensions are pretty much the same.
5) The Stabilus strut appears to be a bit stiffer “out of the box” than the ivanned struts.
Photos attached. I’ve now got three unused struts in my parts stash.
Cheers,
Gerry
A few differences:
1) The screw-on ends are near-identical between the struts, though the Stabilus strut ends show threads on each side. The ivanned ends do not show threads.
2) The screw-on ends seem to be interchangeable between the ivanned and Stabilus units. Meaning if you have previously installed an ivanned strut, you can re-use the ground down screw-on end on the Stabilus unit.
3) The Stabilus struts have a fixed other end at the bottom of the hydraulic cylinder. The ivanned struts have a second, screw-on end that goes into a threaded shaft. This second screw-on end is identical to the end piece that must be ground down.
4) You can see the lengths/dimensions are slightly different, though the overall dimensions are pretty much the same.
5) The Stabilus strut appears to be a bit stiffer “out of the box” than the ivanned struts.
Photos attached. I’ve now got three unused struts in my parts stash.
Cheers,
Gerry
Glad to hear it Jeff. Hope you’re happy with the mods!
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Just got off the phone with Renee again.
No idea what is going on over there, but the story this time is that 46 out of the order of 50 will be arriving Monday, and they’ll ship them out 2 day to me. (Arriving Wednesday)
This is the last time I’m going around this merry go round. If they don’t ship Monday, i’ll be cancelling the strap order, and refunding everyones strap payments. I’ll then ship everyones struts!
EDIT:
There is some irony in the fact that this is the hardest part of the orders to get together.
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No idea what is going on over there, but the story this time is that 46 out of the order of 50 will be arriving Monday, and they’ll ship them out 2 day to me. (Arriving Wednesday)
This is the last time I’m going around this merry go round. If they don’t ship Monday, i’ll be cancelling the strap order, and refunding everyones strap payments. I’ll then ship everyones struts!
EDIT:
There is some irony in the fact that this is the hardest part of the orders to get together.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited:
OK... I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but here we go.
I phoned Naperville yesterday to check (yet again) on the strap order. This time, I was informed that the box of 50 had in fact shipped weeks ago, and was 'delivered' to my rear door on July 26th. I never received a notification of shipment from Naperville, or (even more oddly) of the shipment from FedEx, where I have an account that alerts me when packages are on their way to me. The shipment notification and subsequent confusion about whether the order had been filled over the last three weeks was blamed on the changeover in MB's 'ordering' system (related to EPC replacement?? no idea...). #rage
So.. bottom line, since Napervilles system now shows that this order has been 'completed' and 'delivered' they have to work with FedEx to resolve the missing box. Since the order is complete, I can't even cancel it and just wash my hands of it at this point. So.. here is what I am going to offer to you patient guys out there still waiting.
Two options:
1) Wait till I figure this out and can ship your struts and straps together [DEFAULT]
2) I can ship you your strut order, then drop your straps into an envelope when they arrive and mail em off to you
As noted above I will assume you are interested in 1 until you reach out and let me know otherwise. Please send me a PM, as that is easier to keep track of then replies to this thread!
Again sorry for the delay with all this! We'll get through it eventually.
Photo of everyones struts ready to go, and waiting on the straps.
I phoned Naperville yesterday to check (yet again) on the strap order. This time, I was informed that the box of 50 had in fact shipped weeks ago, and was 'delivered' to my rear door on July 26th. I never received a notification of shipment from Naperville, or (even more oddly) of the shipment from FedEx, where I have an account that alerts me when packages are on their way to me. The shipment notification and subsequent confusion about whether the order had been filled over the last three weeks was blamed on the changeover in MB's 'ordering' system (related to EPC replacement?? no idea...). #rage
So.. bottom line, since Napervilles system now shows that this order has been 'completed' and 'delivered' they have to work with FedEx to resolve the missing box. Since the order is complete, I can't even cancel it and just wash my hands of it at this point. So.. here is what I am going to offer to you patient guys out there still waiting.
Two options:
1) Wait till I figure this out and can ship your struts and straps together [DEFAULT]
2) I can ship you your strut order, then drop your straps into an envelope when they arrive and mail em off to you
As noted above I will assume you are interested in 1 until you reach out and let me know otherwise. Please send me a PM, as that is easier to keep track of then replies to this thread!
Again sorry for the delay with all this! We'll get through it eventually.
Photo of everyones struts ready to go, and waiting on the straps.
Appreciate your time and efforts, we've all been there with online orders. Most go great and some not so much.
Trip - my 8 Struts arrived today. Thankyou very much for the group buy. I shall display these struts in a glass cabinet. (Early / prototype VS late group buy struts)
In for pics Joe! lol
Back with another non-update.
Spoke with Renee last Thursday, she still had no idea what was going on... took my phone number and was going to call me back in 'a few minutes' once she had it all sorted out. I never heard back.
Called again today and spoke with Bob. He had no idea what was going on either. He stated that they had 4 straps 'in-stock' and was going to put the order in 'the system' for the remainder. He will let me know 'next week' what the status is.
I am not holding my breath.
Spoke with Renee last Thursday, she still had no idea what was going on... took my phone number and was going to call me back in 'a few minutes' once she had it all sorted out. I never heard back.
Called again today and spoke with Bob. He had no idea what was going on either. He stated that they had 4 straps 'in-stock' and was going to put the order in 'the system' for the remainder. He will let me know 'next week' what the status is.
I am not holding my breath.
Seems that the “Trouble” part is crowding out the “Triple”’portion of the name.
Indeed. I apparently need to live up to my moniker. “Thanks naperville!”
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