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Suggestions for installing deck lid Springs? Old Springs are removed, need a method to stretch and install new Springs? Thanks for any suggestions.
When I did mine, I put the hinge assembly in a vise connected the spring at the bottom and used a small pry bar to stretch the spring to connect it at the top. Not very difficult at all.
Hang on you two... I have a solution for you.. if you have a welder... If not.. maybe I'll start making and selling these. Be right back for a pic and instructions.
I made this years ago... If the tower is not out of the car.. this is the best and easiest way to install the spring. (it takes about 1 minute).
What you do is close the deck lid, slide this in place and then raise the deck lid.. the spring stays extended... While the work is being performed we leave the springs in the retainers.. Then when we go back we slightly close the deck lid, install spring and then open the deck lid to expand the spring and release the tool...
So.. the trick for going in without taking it out and leaving it.. I have a table mounted cherry picker and I hook one end of the spring in the table and the other end on the hook.. I raise the arm to expand the spring and then install the tool. You'd have to get creative on how to load this tool...
This tool consist of two old trailing arm shims... two end spring bolt washers... Now I put a bend in my shims but you wouldn't need to do that and I doubt you'd have a press strong enough to bend that shim... Heat would work though... The washers sit on top of the shims and are welded.... they make a perfect spaced tool for the spring removal.
That is basically the same tool Chevy used to issue for removing hood hinge springs on the rest of their cars. Unfortunately, I believe the issue here is installing an unstretched spring onto the hinge.
That is basically the same tool Chevy used to issue for removing hood hinge springs on the rest of their cars. Unfortunately, I believe the issue here is installing an unstretched spring onto the hinge.
Yeppers... That's where I got the idea....
Figuring out how to stretch the spring is the issue. I have the table hoist that makes it easy for me... That's where one would need to be creative. Ideas that come to my mind... a floor jack possibly, scissor jack, wench on a trailer, old bumper jack, other suggestions?
Thanks Willcox, after reviewing your fixture, I made 1 from plate steel just by bending, job done thank you !
Corvette;1590986707]Yeppers... That's where I got the idea....
Figuring out how to stretch the spring is the issue. I have the table hoist that makes it easy for me... That's where one would need to be creative. Ideas that come to my mind... a floor jack possibly, scissor jack, wench on a trailer, old bumper jack, other suggestions?[/QUOTE]
Here is another 'trick'. I use paint sticks. I bend the spring slightly so I can slide in a paint stick BETWEEN the coils. I start sliding them in between the coils and it spreads out the spring...and I can get it on the hinge and then remove the paint sticks and I am done.
Something I have found worked late one night when I was by myself.
Mine have needed proper reattachment for years. I just didn't want to deal with it. This paint stick idea is wonderful.
Originally Posted by DUB
Here is another 'trick'. I use paint sticks. I bend the spring slightly so I can slide in a paint stick BETWEEN the coils. I start sliding them in between the coils and it spreads out the spring...and I can get it on the hinge and then remove the paint sticks and I am done.
Something I have found worked late one night when I was by myself.
great ideals, I bent a steel bar app. 5" and pulled the spring to extend and inserted the fixture, put them in place pulled the hinge to release pressure and removed fixture, done.
Knowledge is a wonderful thing ! thanks,
Here is another 'trick'. I use paint sticks. I bend the spring slightly so I can slide in a paint stick BETWEEN the coils. I start sliding them in between the coils and it spreads out the spring...and I can get it on the hinge and then remove the paint sticks and I am done.
Something I have found worked late one night when I was by myself.
DUB
same trick we use on kickstand springs on old Harley's...bend spring, insert washer, bend again, add on other side, repeat until the whole thing is stretched...
having never done a deck lid spring, though, can't you just use a drum brake tool (the end for slipping on the springs)?
same trick we use on kickstand springs on old Harley's...bend spring, insert washer, bend again, add on other side, repeat until the whole thing is stretched...
having never done a deck lid spring, though, can't you just use a drum brake tool (the end for slipping on the springs)?
off the car yes,
I was actually installing them, with different hinges already installed on a car. ... on the car is bit tricky, no room to move.
YES...I apologize that my method is when the hinge assembly is OUT of the car...which we all KNOW that is a feat within itself. I am sure if I tried it would work when it is on the car...but I have honestly never tried it. Normally the hinges are taken out.
I chose my method due to not wanting to stretch the spring manually...so just it case it let lose ans went flying....no harm could be done.
Convertible deck lid spring Install ?
-Willcox
