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I currently run my beetle with Deck Lid Stand-offs to aid cooling when it's hot as I run a 2056 Type 4 and don't want to put a decklid on with vents.
However when it's cooler or wet I would like the decklid closed so I normally take them off.

What I am thinking is that I replace the mounting with actuators and then I can flick a switch to open and close the top of the decklid but mount the hinges to them so I can still open the decklid in a conventional manner.

Has anyone got any experience with actuators and how this would work for me? would I need 2 actuators or would a central one do the job? I'm just thinking about how it would open and close or if I would be better having a quick release and take it off each time and do away with hinges altogether.

Also how to make the bottom stay shut as it will affect the way the clip is shut and I don't want that flapping about because it's popped off.

I assume I will have to cut the top lip off the decklid otherwise it wouldn't open and close.

Has anyone here actually done it already? or know of someone who has?

Any help / Ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

I like the idea a lot and am also going to run a 2056 TIV. (Got any pics?)

But here is what google got me, pretty cool actually, I did not read close but it's a start. Good luck JR

http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/showthread.php?p=6147863

Hood pins make life easy, pop up would be uber cool...
They also have the quick release mod kits for the std hinges, works with standoffs as well.

If running standoffs, I suggest a rain tray over the fan housing and air cleaners that conforms to the decklid more or less.

(I say this having lived in PDX and DFW, which have ~constant rain or very intermittent but torrential rains respectively...)

Portland is UK-ish weather wise.

I'd get the motor in and running/driving first though.
It's super easy to get lost doing side projects.

The clip at the bottom needs bent out to work with standoffs--- It WILL latch when done right.
You may want to engineer something like the front release setup in if you need security.

A decklid that really locks can be important depending on where you live/travel.

There should be some linear actuators (screw type) out there that will work. Common industrial 24V DC ones will work fine, just slowly.

I'm visualizing a pair of slides at the hinge mounts with a pair of bellcranks off a common actuator across the firewall... Would move straight in/out, and might be able to keep the std hinges.
Run it like power windows with hard stops and a circuit breaker... (perhaps just use one of those actuators)

A camaro rear hatch actuator would fit perfect and only need a crossbar, like on dual carbs,
to actuate a cammed pivot to raise and lower the hinges.

Think about it, you'll see it with your minds eye.....


Don

A couple of door lock actuators should do the trick. They usually have one bolt holding them in place. And they only move a inch or so. 90ish fords would be a good choice plenty in the bone yards.


Or Chebbies

http://www.a1electric.com/actuators.htm