Deck Lid Hinge Spring
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 179
Likes: 56
From: Trenton Michigan
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
'66 Deck Lid Hinge Spring
How difficult is it to install this spring? My deck lid will not stay open all the way.
I have just gotten a '66 and need a shop manual. There are a few available and would appreciate advice on which one would be the best.
Regards,
Jerry
I have just gotten a '66 and need a shop manual. There are a few available and would appreciate advice on which one would be the best.
Regards,
Jerry
Last edited by gjesion; Apr 29, 2018 at 07:21 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
It's not a hard job to do. You just need the tool to do it. Just treat it like any other spring when removing or installing it. To remove them just stick wooden shims (like you'd use installing house windows or doors) in the expanded spring (you can get them at Lowes etc). Then close the deck lid slowly you can pull the spring right out if you don't have the tool. The reverse can be done by using a jack to expand the spring and insert the shims. Then install the new spring and open the deck lid. Pull the shims out and you are done...
HITCH
HITCH
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,737
Likes: 2,376
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Great looking car, Jerry.
Full disclosure: I haven't done mine yet.
However, there are several good threads on how to do this, just check out the search function. Seems like at least one of those threads has a good set of "how to" pictures.
Tell us more about your car?
Full disclosure: I haven't done mine yet.
However, there are several good threads on how to do this, just check out the search function. Seems like at least one of those threads has a good set of "how to" pictures.
Tell us more about your car?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 346
From: London ON
Actually Hitch has it a little backwards ... you need to reach under the deck lid with it closed so the springs are expanded. Then insert 1/2" wooden wedges and slowly open the deck lid so you can un-hook the springs. And as Hitch said, use a floor jack to expand the springs to remove the wedges.
If you springs are not holding the deck lid up, they are tired and I would recommend installing new ones. Most springs when they get tired will eventually break ... and when that happens it will be when they are under tension when the lid is closed. When a spring breaks, it will smash up against the inside of your deck lid and make some lovely marks in your paint on the outside! You don't want that to happen. Bill
If you springs are not holding the deck lid up, they are tired and I would recommend installing new ones. Most springs when they get tired will eventually break ... and when that happens it will be when they are under tension when the lid is closed. When a spring breaks, it will smash up against the inside of your deck lid and make some lovely marks in your paint on the outside! You don't want that to happen. Bill
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 11,593
Likes: 173
From: Clayton NC
Actually Hitch has it a little backwards ... you need to reach under the deck lid with it closed so the springs are expanded. Then insert 1/2" wooden wedges and slowly open the deck lid so you can un-hook the springs. And as Hitch said, use a floor jack to expand the springs to remove the wedges.
If you springs are not holding the deck lid up, they are tired and I would recommend installing new ones. Most springs when they get tired will eventually break ... and when that happens it will be when they are under tension when the lid is closed. When a spring breaks, it will smash up against the inside of your deck lid and make some lovely marks in your paint on the outside! You don't want that to happen. Bill
If you springs are not holding the deck lid up, they are tired and I would recommend installing new ones. Most springs when they get tired will eventually break ... and when that happens it will be when they are under tension when the lid is closed. When a spring breaks, it will smash up against the inside of your deck lid and make some lovely marks in your paint on the outside! You don't want that to happen. Bill
Bill you're right. I said close I meant OPEN.. Thanks..
HITCH
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 395
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From: Attleboro MA
Not trying to hijack this thread, but my deck lid was opening, but not all the way. Yesterday I spread the spring as mentioned above and moved it from the center groove to the rear most groove. Now it opens fully.
Will this work, or should I opt for new springs?
Tom
Will this work, or should I opt for new springs?
Tom
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 31,737
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From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Racer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 395
Likes: 56
From: Attleboro MA