what do they call it? Any recommendations?

[MPTech]

For my Juke project, I have a hinged front door that swings open, hinged at the bottom.
I'd like to add a "piston"(?) to the door to control it's opening. It's kind of heavy and could use a little assitance, but I don't want it to just fall open either.  I'm thinking like what is used on a car trunk (gas strut(?), the name just came to me as I was typing).

Anybody have any experience with these? (besides opening your trunk!  )

I'm looking for one that is about 16" closed and 21" open. I have some flexibility on the mounting locations, so the sizes can vary +/- an inch or so.

I was thinking a hardware stor originally, but after my car trunk example, I think I'll try an Auto Parts store too.

just Thinking out loud, it helps!

Thanks!  MPTech

[jimmy2x2x]

This what you are talking about?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/STRUT-GAS-RAM-BONNET-BOOT-GAS-STRUT-ROSE-JOINTED-END-/230530368554?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35acae442a#ht_790wt_1119

[MPTech]

Thanks.
yes, that's what I had in mind. I did find a couple sites that seem pretty technical (ie: expensive), since I figured out what they're called now.

One of the sites had a model that could be adjusted for pressure, I think since I'm experimenting, that would be a good feature.
I don't want the door shooting open!

all suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[bkenobi]

Also search for "rear hatch strut" or just "hatch strut".  I found quite a few available, but they all seem a lot more expensive than what you found already.

[Thenasty]

junk yard is your best cheap solution. 

[MikeyMerse]

Go check out Screen Door Closers. They will help with the weight of the door and I'm sure it's much easier to install.  Since your door is hinged at the bottom, I would think you want a piston that will be normally compressed.  Also, if you want it to stay open, there is a metal lock nut you slide down the piston to lock it in place.

Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/01-3810-136-HYDRAULIC-SCREEN-STORM-CLOSER/dp/B000H5O608/ref=sr_1_10?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1286221556&sr=1-10

It's available at any local hardware stores.

[MPTech]

That's kinda what I had in mind.  Thanks

[Rusty Shackelford]

Ive fitted gas struts to a machine at work that had a heavy lid that we needed to stay open. They had a very small allen key bolt which keeps the presure (gas+oil) in to adjust for weight etc. Hold a rag over the bolt when you undo it and do a bit at a time because you cant put it back in!