On Aug 9, 2009, at 2:32 PM, Edward Maglott wrote:
> Pulling it down is pretty
> easy at first and then gets harder through the mid range of it's
> travel.  It's not a problem for me.

Consider it exercise, good for the abs, biceps and lats.  I recall a
very funny post years ago about exercising with your Vanagon.
Lifting and closing the hatch was one of the exercises.

Melissa Mourkas
84 Westy