Bill Daniels wrote:
See: http://www.internationalgassprings.com/

They have provided gas springs to me and other glider pilots. There should
be a label on your springs somewhere. Send a photo of that and the end
hardware to International springs and they should be able to provide a
replacement.

Have you tried the sailplane dealers for a Cobra replacement? Or asked
your dealer for a US source and part numbers? At least, you could
compare prices and delivery times.

Find a place where an overhead chain hoist or "come-along" can be used to
lift the trailer top. If you can smoothly lift the top with a hoist,
replacing the gas struts is just a matter of some wrench work. Otherwise,
it can be a PITA. There are tools called "Gas spring compressors" but it
would be shame to buy one for a once-in-a-lifetime job.

I found it easy to prop the lid open on a metal top Cobra with a 2 x 4
stud. Length isn't critical, as you can move the stud back and forth to
get just the right height. It's easier if you have someone help open the
lid, but I was able to do it myself.

In my case, it was the bottom attachment point that failed, not the strut.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* Updated! "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
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* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org