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Adjusting 1964 trunklid torsion springs

Richard Cranium

Richard Cranium

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Can someone please give me some guidance as to how to give more tension?

Thanks in advance.

:thumbsup:
 
Welllll, it’s only 3 slots(?). Trunk lid up & have at it. My ‘68 has never been touched since the factory. They can’t be all that tough with a visegrip clamped on.
 
I did mine with a 500lb come along hooked to the trunk latch and the spring. Dave.
 
Is it really that difficult? It can't be done by hand somehow?
 
Just a little warning about working with the trunk springs.
Mike
IMG_0450.JPG
 
67 GTX said:
Is it really that difficult? It can't be done by hand somehow?
Click to expand...
That’s what I’m thinking;trunk lid doesn’t weigh all that much. Although if the torsion spring broke, that could be interesting.
 
Good to know rear slots tension.

My fear with using tools is that I'm going to scratch up all the paint.
 
oldbee said:
That’s what I’m thinking;trunk lid doesn’t weigh all that much. Although if the torsion spring broke, that could be interesting.
Click to expand...
You have to think about where the springs are located and how much leverage pressure is on them. How much 'power' would it take to lift the lid open at the hinge when you turn the lock?? A LOT!
 
khryslerkid said:
The FMS shows useing a block on the end of a "T" handle.

First hand account...
www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/trunk-torsion-adjustment-fail-and-ruined-underwear.321313/

Or this...
View attachment 628974

www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gas-struts-on-the-trunk-lid-here-you-go.312779/
Click to expand...
This is worth remembering...

Those trunk torsion rods are under full tension when the trunk is closed. When the trunk lid is completely open, they're as close to unloaded as you can make them.
Click to expand...
- borrowed from FABO
 
Would it be easier to get in the trunk with the tools, a good light, and a Really GOOD Friend, with a set of keys, standing by, and adjust it without the tension/weight applied ?
 
They are under tension as installed. Remember the arms are up against the stops whether the lid is on or not and when the lid is on, it's still got to be held 'up'. A few weeks back I cut the Dutchman panel out of a 63 and was surprised and how much tension they had. Since I didn't need to save them I resorted to heating them up with a torch in the middle and letting them un-twist as they got hot. It was much easier and safer to remove them then.
 
Last edited:
Hey dvw, what's the X for?? So, you think there's not much pressure on these 'lifting' springs when the deck lid is closed? If that's what you think, it's telling me you've never messed with these things......
 
Cranky said:
Hey dvw, what's the X for?? So, you think there's not much pressure on these 'lifting' springs when the deck lid is closed? If that's what you think, it's telling me you've never messed with these things......
Click to expand...

Might have been FFS, "Fat Finger Syndrome"

I want to see this '64 that RC is working on !
 
khryslerkid said:
Might have been FFS, "Fat Finger Syndrome"

I want to see this '64 that RC is working on !
Click to expand...
I use either a lap top or my desk top and don't even want to use my phone to surf the net lol. It's frustrating to me to even do a simple search and my phone screen is 3x5....
 
I use a long pry bar and dead blow to adjust the torsion springs.

But I’m thinking of doing gas struts on my trunk lid, just like I did on the hood hinges.
 
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