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Looking for a little advice here. Which spring position should I start with? I am finding these are tricky to install so I am going to try to avoid a redo. Position 1 with the most tension or position 3 with the least tension. It has a hard top if that makes any difference. Thanks! Paul
My 73 convertible, also with a hard top, doesn’t have enough spring tension to keep the rear deck all the way open. I read about using a tool from Willcox, but it looked like a disaster waiting to happen, so I never touched them. How did you get the springs out? Did you purchase the tool? I read there are spacers that can be used.
Of the two convertible C3's I have had, both did not hold the decklid full open against the stops. Any info that states the tension is supposed to hold it full open? Does anyone have a car that holds full open?
I had mine out to repair a bent arm about five years ago, can't remember how I got the spring back in so It must not be as hard as it seems.
By looking at it, #1 would give the most tension because of leverage, but #3 looks like more actual spring tension. I do know I just put them back the way they were, A little scary getting them in and out with the worry of cracking the body.
Thanks everyone for the feedback. It is a consensus that more tension is the way to go. This forum rocks.
Originally Posted by Eliredandblack
My 73 convertible, also with a hard top, doesn’t have enough spring tension to keep the rear deck all the way open. I read about using a tool from Willcox, but it looked like a disaster waiting to happen, so I never touched them. How did you get the springs out? Did you purchase the tool? I read there are spacers that can be used.
I really can't remember how I got them out but I didn't use the tool or lose any teeth. To put them back in I used the vice, some bailing wire ( to keep it from slipping out) and my big *** pry bar. I read how some put the spring in while the hinge is in the car but that seems much harder in my opinion.
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Position 1.
Position 1 on my car. Pops open quite quickly, hits the stops and then comes down about 2-3 inches from full open. Still enough opening to put the top up and down.
Convertible Deck Lid Spring Tension
