[_TB_]

I just a cracy idea..

My old Opel/Vauxhall Insignia had an hydraulic boot, and I _loved_ it. Now the E61 has it, but the E90 does not have it. ..But I recon it should be possible to retrofit.

The parts for the E61 are hugely expensive, so I have started finding parts that can be used for it.

..This is what I have found so far.

- Peugeot 206cc hydraulic pump. It looks like the E61 pump, but it is only a fraction of the price. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PEUGEOT-20...YAAOxy3yNTgzgq)

- Opel/Vaxhaul Tigra or Peugeot 206cc hydraulic struts (probably only one needed). (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PEUGEOT-20...cAAOSwv-NWaey8)

The electronics I recon can be made fairly simple using an Arduino, a tilt sensor, output from boot lock actuator signal (The unlock signal). And if needed a ultrasoic distance snesor can be fitted to prevent the boot from opening into a low cieling. I recon that obstruction can be detected by the tilt sensor and the rate of which the boot opens/closes. The tilt sensor will support opening only halfway as a configuration. The Downside is that the configuringfrom the CIC will not be possible.

..Now "all I need" now is some data on the original struts. Length (bot compressed and uncompressed), diameter of the balljoints, and most importantly - the force needed to lift the tailgate with one perfectly working strut.

What do you recon? Do you think it will be doable?

[Ruddigger]

I'm sure it's doable, just need to find the right part. Keep us posted!

[_TB_]

By the looks of it, the pump for a Porsche 911 might be a better pump. It does not have Selena for directing the flow. Only two outlets, and only thing to control is the direction of the pump.

[_TB_]

Ok I took the plunge and bought some parts.

1) Peugeot 206 CC hydraulic pump
2) Opel/Vauxhall Tigra Cabriolet hydraulic struts

Now I have found out that the selenoid in the pump is merely an on/off valve. The pump actuates 5 pistons (struts). One parcel shelf lock, and in total four struts to lift the roof.

Now judging form this movie here: SVCL10-30 and SVCL10-32 valves are low leakage, on/off solenoid operated poppet valves

The trunk opens by.

Pump rotation "R" and valve "on" - this will extend the struts for the bootlid. When the roof has been fully opened the trunk needs to close again - so the pump rotation is reversed to "L" and the valves is turned off - now the trunk closes.

in version 1 I need to control this using the tigra struts. For opening turn on the pump in "R" direction and turn on the valve. For closing - turn on the pump in the "L" direction and turn off the valve.

This should give me an opening and closing tailgate or boot or whatever you call it.

Now the problem is that I'd like to be able to close it by hand, but this is not possible with the system pressurized due to the return valves. I need to figure out how to fix this. Perhaps I can use the valve as a "bleed valve". So when it is turned on - it bleeds the pressure from the struts. This will also allow me to open it by hand if the system fails as there is no pressure in the system when the boot is closed. Ideally if the valve canbe controlled by PWN for it to bleed the pressure more slowly..

The Tigra struts I have ordered do not incorporate a hallsensor - but I recon this is needed in version 2 - as to know when to stop operating the pump. right now it is not so critical - as I can use a microswitch or a fixed time for the pump. But it is needed for version 2.

[_TB_]

Test fitted the Tigra strut today - and it fits perfectly in length, both extended and compressed.

The only problem so far is that the balljoints on the tigra strut are larger than on the car. Nothing a quick 3dprint cannot solve I recon.

[Ruddigger]

Very cool

[_TB_]

Right, I have confirmed that the pumps is working, Turns both ways perfectly - and I *think* I have found out how to make it work.. I need to plug off three outlets - and then use the two last ones. This gives me pressure on one of them when the pump turns one way - and pressure on the other one when the pump turns the other way. This way i do not have to bother with the selenoid at all - but it *might* give me a challenge if the system "locks" and I have to depressure it.

I *might* have to cnnect it in some other way, so that I could use the selenoid to de-pressurerize it.

[Ruddigger]

Glad to see you're making progress.