has anyone switched their 1957 ford Wagon Lift supports to modern gas struts? I

[tim bullion]

has anyone switched their 1957 ford Wagon Lift supports to modern gas  struts? If so, what manufacture did you use, how well do they work,  and how difficult was the installation process?

[RICH MUISE]

Not me, I don't have a wagon, but I did change out my hood supports to hydraulic, and I love the mod. Check out McMaster Carr, they have tons of lifts available...different lengths, lift pressures, end types, etc etc. They also have a large assortment of fittings.
Be sure to keep us updated if you do it....pics and a how-to would be great.

[Ken 57Wagon]

Yes, Keep us posted on what you discover.  I'd like to see a picture Rich of how you did your suports.

[suede57ford]

I recently converted my '57 RanchWagon Lift Gate Support to '58 Ford Wagon Lift Gate Supports.   The '58 style has a ratchet wheel inside that holds the lift gate fully open, then lift slightly one more time and it releases and closes nice.      I actually only installed one side(use the other one on another '57 wagon) as that is plenty.  You need the '58 bolts and washers to do the install as the shoulder is a different diameter from '57.    Easy upgrade and no more having to turn the knurled knobs that were a hassle to twist while holding the liftgate.

I got the tip from IAMFLASHMAN from seeing the ones on his '58 Bermuda Wagon.

[RICH MUISE]

Yes, Keep us posted on what you discover.  I'd like to see a picture Rich of how you did your supports.

Here's a link to that lift install.  http://57fordsforever.com/smf/index.php?topic=4641.0#msg34101 This was a separate thread that 3 of us chimed in on, so you'll see different ideas as you read thru the pages.
Because the bottom of the lift is hard to get to when the car is all assembled, I got a little more elaborate with mine (what else is new?) in that I mounted them in a square tube, and only bolted that tube at the top.