Headlight Actuators - an alternative to the stock actuator

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

I see posts every now and then looking for an alternative to the stock actuators. Many alternatives I've seen posted use electric actuators. In general, the electric actuators are expensive and require some circuit design. It is also more difficult to design the circuit to control the speed of the actuator. There are many commercially available pneumatic actuators that can be bought and ordered in all sorts of stroke lengths and bore sizes. Here are two such companies that offer pneumatic actuators:

http://www.clippard.com/cylinders/

http://www.bimba.com/Products/OriginalLineCylinders/StandardAirCylinders/

For a charger, just using the stock actuator as a reference, a 2" stroke with a 2" bore would probably be a good bet. In particular, you would want the double acting cylinder. To really ensure that your getting a peppy actuator, you could go with a larger bore size, (larger bore = more force). Lets say that your doors open too quickly with a large bore actuator, a flow control valve could be added in line with the actuator -

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Overview/Catalog/Pneumatic_Components/Flow_Control_Valves_-_Speed_Controllers

There are also 'switches', that would work with this circuit if you wanted to build the entire system from scratch, 

http://www.clippard.com/store/search.asp?sku=&description1=toggle&andOr=and

I thought I would throw this out there for anyone looking for an alternative to the stock actuator. A little more thought involved, but it could be done.
   

[yeahitsgotahemi!]

Just for an idea of cost, Clippards 2" bore/stroke 2-way actuator is ~60 bucks. Flow control valves can be had for less than $10, and the switches are less than $20. I think Bimba cylinders might be cheaper. There are also 'quick connect' fittings. Buy the hose color of your choice and it pops right into the end of the fitting - no tools needed.