These shocks will only fit a true Cover Valet brand cover lifter. Over the years there have been a number of cover lifts that may appear to be Cover Valet, but in fact are not. There are a few ways to identify Cover Valet shocks.

• Cover Valets have always been black in color. This color does not fade. Any color other than black, is not a Cover Valet.
• The barrel of the shock has writing on it. Somewhere within that writing is either the number "250" (covers up to 90") or "400" (covers 91" to 96"". These numbers may be part of, and within a longer number (it might appear to be a serial number), but these numbers are always on Cover Valet shocks.
• Cover Valets always have on locking, and one non-locking shock (the locking shock is necessary to prevent the cover from closing while in the spa).

Replacement Ballstud

The shocks (above) snap onto this part, the Ballstud. Occationally they may break and need replacing.

Occasionally, especially when covers get older and gain weight, a "finger" that supports the cover may snap at the threads. These are "original equipment" replacements.

Please note, these are to replaces the newer style that screw into the extension arms. The older style is welded into the extension arm and is not replaceable.

1. Attach Ball Stud to Channel Bracket using 1-Ball Stud and 1-Lock Nut (per side). Attach other Ball Stud to Pivot Arm using 1-Ball Stud and 1-Lock Nut (per side)

2. VERY IMPORTANT- Position spa cover (in closed position) on spa. Position rear of Channel Bracket approx. 2 inches forward from back edge of spa cover. Make sure Channel Bracket is parallel to side of spa cover.

• TOP MOUNT: Mount Channel Bracket to wooden spa rim using (4) 1-1/4 " Lag Bolts. (per side, pre-drill holes in wood rim). See Fig. 1

• SIDE MOUNT: Align holes of SM (side mount) Bracket with Channel Bracket holes. There are 6 holes in top of SM Bracket and only 5 holes in Channel Bracket. You will use 5 or no less than 4 when connecting SM Bracket to Channel Bracket. Fig. 3 & 4 (Offset Channel Bracket from SM Bracket using no less than 4 holes in order to reach within 2 inches of rear of spa cover). See Fig. 2

• Mark hole position of SM Bracket on wood side. Mount SM Bracket to wooden spa side using (4) 1-1/4 Lag Bolts. (per side, pre-drill holes in wood rim).

• Mount Channel Bracket to SM Bracket with (5) 3/4 " (No less than 4) Hex Bolts, and 5 Lock nuts (per side). Lock Nuts are positioned on the bottom side of SM Bracket.

3. Slip covers over both ends of bars of Extension Arm before sliding arm bars in position on cover (see next page).

4. Attach Pivot Arm to Channel Bracket using (1) 1 3/4 " Hex Bolt, (1) Lock Nut (per side) Lock Nut can be placed on the inside or outside edge of spa (as allowed by specific spa manufacturer). DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!

5. Click "Latching" Gas Shock onto Ball Stud of Channel Bracket ONLY on most convenient side of spa (thick section to Channel Bracket and thin section to Pivot Arm), leaving shock laying down. Click "Regular" Gas Shock onto Ball Stud of Channel Bracket ONLY (thick section goes to Pivot Arm and thin section to Channel Bracket), leaving shock laying down.

6. With spa cover on, but off front 1/4 " way, slide Extension Arm bars in position on each side of cover (There is a left & a right arm). Fig. 5 Front bar slides into middle of cover, while 2nd (top) bar lays on top of cover. Fig. 6 Push cover from front slowly and evenly, keeping cover centered over spa. Fig. 5