Is it better to install the trunk lid spring with the hinges up?

[Cranky]

Plus, I've never done them before either....so is there a better way to get them in than fighting with them and is there one that should be in place first vs the other? They are still 'kinda' in place as of now but the lid is off the car. Was thinking about just taking them out all together but well, not sure I want to do that just yet.

 

[R413]

What car is this?

read the FSM, the early 70’s they address this. 60’s not so much.

 

[Cranky]

What car is this?

read the FSM, the early 70’s they address this. 60’s not so much.

Well, I posted in the 66-67 forum lol. It's for my 66 Belvedere....

 

[1 Wild R/T]

hinges up for sure....

 

[eldubb440]

up....... the bars are loaded in the down position

 

[Cranky]

hinges up for sure....

View attachment 1544294

Now I remember seeing that tool awhile back!

 

[T2R9]

I like that tool! I normally use a pointed prybar like this. Put the tip into the hole you want the spring in and pry it out and let it slide down into the new hole.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Who ever made that tool is brilliant, it gives you leverage but is small enough for the space you have to work in, it gives you a way to pull the lock out of it's hole... Just a great tool for what can be a dangerous job.. It was easy when I was younger but now I get hurt easier & heal much slower..

 

[eldubb440]

Now I remember seeing that tool awhile back!

I saved that pic....

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I like that tool! I normally use a pointed prybar like this. Put the tip into the hole you want the spring in and pry it out and let it slide down into the new hole.

View attachment 1544295

I agree but still dangerous

I saved that pic....

Why do you think I have it???

 

[Cranky]

Who ever made that tool is brilliant, it gives you leverage but is small enough for the space you have to work in, it gives you a way to pull the lock out of it's hole... Just a great tool for what can be a dangerous job.. It was eay when I was younger but now I get hurt easier & heal much slower..

Being 72 now I know what you are talking about!!!

 

[T2R9]

I agree but still dangerous

Yeah I have had a couple get away from me. Never knew that tool existed. Looks pretty easy to fabricate.

 

[Cranky]

Well, not quite ready to do them yet but have this page 'watched' ......again, I'll be a one man band installing them and the deck lid but this isn't the first time to install hoods and lids by myself. Maybe I need to get a lid.....jk jk

 

[threewood]

I totally stole that idea.

 

[dan juhasz]

I totally stole that idea.
View attachment 1544355

could you provide the measurements so I can build one for myself

 

[493 Mike]

I'll second the dangerous statement! 2009 and still not back to normal. Very close though.
Mike

 

[threewood]

could you provide the measurements so I can build one for myself

Absolutely. I'll get back out to the shop tomorrow and measure it. I basically built this by testing it right on my springs.

 

[Virg464]

hinges up for sure....

View attachment 1544294

Wish I had one of those when I did mine, going to fab that tool up before I install bushings in the hinges. That's sweet!

 

[Cranky]

Absolutely. I'll get back out to the shop tomorrow and measure it. I basically built this by testing it right on my springs.

Wouldn't mind getting the measurements too while you're at it....

 

[4vnut]

When I did my springs didn't know what was used to release them from their holes. Thinking the rod resembled a pipe, albeit a small one, The pipe wrench popped into my fragile brain patterns and the 10" pipe wrench did the job, on and off with no drama whatsoever.
But I like the homemade tool too as it looks to be able to ease the process.