Replacement seat prop spring

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toolboxjesse
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Replacement seat prop spring

I don't know how it happened, but the spring that props the seat up bent to the point that I can't get it to lock in the upright position. Has anybody been able to resolve this?

Thanks,

Jesse in Atlanta

ofx210p
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

Chandlery shops sell them

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

Pardon my ignorance as this isn't a term I have heard of- what's a chandlery? Are they referred to as something else in the US?

Jesse

Jesse in Atlanta

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

Jesse in Atlanta

1charan
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

Hi Jesse,

A chandlery is a marine (watersports) hardware store. But I suppose a normal DIY store can point you in the right direction.

Charan
NL

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

OK thank you. I'll do some research. I actually really dislike this spring solution. It seemed ingeniously simple at first but got annoying when the seat would lock when taking something out from the storage compartment.

jesse

Jesse in Atlanta

tt-tronix
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

Hello Jesse,

I had this problem, too. Try the following: Remove the screws holding the spring on one side. Turn the spring a little bit (don't know the direction - just try) so the seat will lock again in the upright position. Then fasten the screws again. That's it.

Best regards
Tido

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

The spring metal itself is bent- are you sure that will work?

Thanks for the advice. I'll try it tonight.

Jesse

Jesse in Atlanta

tt-tronix
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

If the spring is only bent and not broken, the trick should work ;-) Mine was bent a little bit in the middle, too.

Tido

Domi422
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

I did that trick too and it worked allright. It's worth trying anyway.

Le site des utilisateurs français (The French user's website) http://www.vectrix.fr/

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

I tried to tighten (twist in) and loosten (twist out)and no success. I removed the spring entirely in the meantime and I like how the seat opens higher- I may keep it that way.

Jesse

Jesse in Atlanta

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

BTW found this on Amazon- looks identical if memory serves correctly:
http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Dog-Line-SPRING-Stainless/dp/B001HBUOXO/ref=reg_hu-rd_dp_img

Jesse in Atlanta

Mik
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

BTW found this on Amazon- looks identical if memory serves correctly:
http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Dog-Line-SPRING-Stainless/dp/B001HBUOXO/ref=reg_hu-rd_dp_img

I removed the spring years ago, along with the passenger hand rail. So much better that way...

This information may be used entirely at your own risk.

There is always a way if there is no other way!

Aircon
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring
BTW found this on Amazon- looks identical if memory serves correctly:
http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Dog-Line-SPRING-Stainless/dp/B001HBUOXO/ref=reg_hu-rd_dp_img

I removed the spring years ago, along with the passenger hand rail. So much better that way...

I got taken pillion for the first time ever last week...and it was on a Vectrix. I found it very comfortable indeed, but I don't know what I would have done without that hand rail!!

vectrixpro1
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

Hello everyone!
Design of this spring was charming with its simplicity, yet it's not working properly in many Vectrix bikes. I know that Vectrix designers' first idea was to put a compensating gas spring under the passenger grab cover, like under the cars' hood or trunk cover (I don't know the exact word for this item, sorry, I'm not native English speaker :) The seat should open than freely by itself just after turning the key. But it was to complicated I think.

It could be useful to replace the spring with another mechanism. I designed and created some things to improve Vectrix functionality and comfort.
I can find out what solution can we use for the seat if some of us are interested it in it.

toolboxjesse
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

For now I'll just use a bungee cord to my top box.

Vectrixpro I just sent you an email regarding a previous conversation we had.

Jesse

Jesse in Atlanta

martinwinlow
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

It's called a gas strut ( in the UK at least)... Like this one... http://www.julieshomestore.co.uk/page67.htm

I've used them before and I doubt you would be able to just swap the spring for one of these. It would need some significant re-design ie moving one or both spring mounting points. But if my spring were knackered this is the road i would go down to repair it. They are v cheap on ebay £10 or so. MW

Regards, Martin Winlow
Isle of Colonsay, Scotland
evalbum.com/2092

R
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Re: Replacement seat prop spring

I'm a little tired of the original seat spring, I'll try to find one of these "gas struts" thanks for the tip, martin.

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