Rear deck automatic opener and closer

[jwallan]

What would be the least expensive way of modifying the truck lid of an '03 Infiniti I35 to automatically open and close upon activating the remote opener either located in the car or on the hand held remote?....even if the trunk would spring wide open when the remote is activated rather than just open up a bit would be beneficial...having a full load in your arms and trying to open the trunk at the same time leads to a certain amount of frustration.

Modified by jwallan at 1:17 PM 11/28/2006
Modified by jwallan at 4:15 PM 11/29/2006

[nissanconvert]

I don't know what the trunk looks like in your car but in the 240 i have there are gas shocks that force it up after the latch is released. THe shocks are about 20$ per side. You'd need to match the weight of the trunk to the force of the shock.

You could use a linear actuator but it's expensive and would need a controlling circuit to turn it on/off at the right times. THe benifit is that it could close it automatically also.

[jwallan]

thx for your reply...I would guess the key to using the gas shocks is to determine the exact mounting locations for the holding brackets which shouldn't be too difficult..I also like the idea of the linear actuators....again thank you for your quick response

[skylndrftr]

shameless plug

http://www.mcmaster.com/

[jwallan]

ToddThx for the info.

[Defiant]

Autoloc are pretty-much the people for all that remote mumbo-jumbo:http://www.thehoffmangroup.com/Autoloc/index.lasso

[jwallan]

thx for the link Defiant...I wonder if they supply in Canada?

[Defiant]

Sure, I think you guys are still allies, even if you are oot of the country.

[jwallan]

Good one Defiant but we spell "oot" here with a "u" as in "out" Are there any engineers on here that might shed some light on how and at what points on the trunk of the 2003 Infiniti I35 to install either as gas shock or an actuator?

[Defiant]

Good one Defiant but we spell "oot" here with a "u" as in "out"

I spent enough years with the Datsun Roadster Association out of Vancouver to know better. Quote » Are there any engineers on here that might shed some light on how and at what points on the trunk of the 2003 Infiniti I35 to install either as gas shock or an actuator?[/quote]

It looks like an excellent location for a number of choices. You'd probably want to use the hood hinge arm as an attachment point, and you could use a linear actuator, a screw drive, a gear drive or just struts. If you wanted to have strut or linear servo drive, you could also set those up in there and still keep them out of sight. You should only have to mount it on one side. Having enough power to close and latch may take a separate actuator. I don't know what Cadillac use on theirs, or if that would even be the sort you'd want to use. And you will also have to consider how worn and fit your lid gaskets are, as they'll affect what pressure is needed to latch the trunk.