JimmyT is right in that all the different concepts will work....The challenge as I see it is getting a package that fits!
Not a whole lot of room left over in the original design.
The process of designing for gas struts is sometimes called vector force kinematics.
It tends to be an iterative process that takes into account multiple variables (available geometries, available strut sizes, available strut forces, desired manual force application to raise/lower, etc...)
Get the design right and its a baseline neutral in the open & closed positions.
Get the design wrong and its a mousetrap waiting spring open or slam shut, or huge opening or closing application forces.
Been through this for several commercial products over the years.
The Australian air lifting bags (if one can make space for them) or the manual cable pull struts (if one can make space for the routing and pulleys) or the gas struts (if one can make room for them and work out the proper geometry & components) can all work.
Something that hasn't really been considered is figuring out how to remake the pop top to be stronger, stiffer and lighter than what it is currently.
If one were to use the existing pop top to make a mold set one could capture the interface geometry to the cabin structure.
Then one could redesign a new foam core and reinforced fiberglass pop top panel that could be substantially stronger. stiffer & lighter.
It might need to be a bit thicker to get the stiffness than the original but that shouldn't be an operational issue.
The main thing is to get it lighter so TopCat0399 can easily move his pop top up and down without hurting him/herself.
A foam core / fiberglass pop top done properly could weigh about 25% what the original one did and still be plenty strong enough to climb upon.
Just a thought......
Best Regards
Over Easy
