Power Lift For Rear Gate

[KarlMacE]

I am trying to find a power lift for the rear gate of our
2006 PT Cruiser; this is to solve a handicap/mobility need.
Has anyone installed or tried to install a power lift? If so,
I would like to know the results. If not, does anyone have
ideas how this could be done?

Thank you very much.

Karl MacEachron
Fresno, CA

[Hooligan]

Karl, welcome to the Forum.

I have seen a couple of handicap equipped PT's, but neither were for the rear gate, but the passenger side. One was a gentleman that came to the PIP PT show in Williamsburg VA.

I do think that the best bet would to find a specialty shop in your area for ideas.

[KarlMacE]

Sorry, that won't work. We have a small lift in
the back to lift my wife's walker for her and until
recently she was able to lift the rear gate.

[quicksilverdon]

Try new hydraulic pistons first. Particularly in winter, they don't push enough - mine are getting "tired", too, I noticed.
With new pistons, the lift requires very little to open, and will raise itself after it is lifted a foot or so.

[garner49]

New pistons is the better suggestion. Otherwise, check with a local handicap supply dealer or custom shop, a far more expensive option.

[cjb15]

Thought about this for a bit.
The pure power option is expensive and complicated because you need one motor to raise and lower the gate and a second (or different gearing in the motor) to pull the latch against the seals. It would be too dangerous to make the motor go fast enough slam the gate remotely.
My thought. If you could get a little bit stronger gas lift struts (you would have to find something simular in size at the auto parts store that lifts a slightly bigger gate), this could possibly open the hatch by itself once the latch is opened.
Then just rig a rope to pull it down. I'm asssuming that you are looking for something that could be closed from the drivers seat.
It may be a little Rube Goldbergish, but a lot cheaper than say adapting a minivan power liftgate mechanism.