Hood spring replacement?

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Jun 3, 2002 | 10:40 AM

Dan85

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 10

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From: norfolk va

Hood spring replacement?

The hood on my 85 has got to where I have to hold the handle then reach outside and pull up. I have new springs to try. My books don't tell how to remove the springs. I tried a large screwdriver in the slot on the post, but it seems to be really tight. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Dan85
P.S.- I would like to thank all of you for the help in the past. Hopefully one day I will be able to return the favor and help someone else. Thanks again.

Jun 3, 2002 | 11:56 AM

4GTABODT

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 5,300

Likes: 3

From: Mississauga, Ontario Corvettes were built to be driven...not trailered

St Jude Donor '07-'08-'09

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

Dan, if the old springs have been on there for a while, a screwdriver will have a hard time taking them off...what you need to do is get a big adjustable wrench and put it on the nut that rests against the mounting plating (the plate the three screws go into) and wrench if off that way. You could take the mounting plates off and wrench it off that way but that can be a tricky when trying to line them up again. I have a method of doing it if your interested...let me know...good luck :cheers:

Jun 3, 2002 | 04:59 PM

Dan85

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 10

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From: norfolk va

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

Thanks Quik86. I guess you are telling me that the large nut next to the mounting plate is a jam nut? After I loosen the nut, I should be able to unscrew the post and remove the spring. Is this right? Thanks again.
Dan85

Jun 3, 2002 | 05:05 PM

4GTABODT

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 5,300

Likes: 3

From: Mississauga, Ontario Corvettes were built to be driven...not trailered

St Jude Donor '07-'08-'09

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

Yes. Once you loosen the jam nut, you will be able to unscrew the hood spring. Once you've taken the spring off, you should be able to loosen the spring bolt from the jam nut...Let me know if that works for you... :cheers:

Jun 7, 2002 | 10:20 AM

Dan85

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 10

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From: norfolk va

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

Thanks Quik86. After I got the nuts loose the posts unscrewed easily. Took a couple of days to find a wrench that big at work. The hood still does not pop up like it should but at least now I can get it open. It was worth a try the springs only cost $5.00 for both. One of the post seems to be dragging in the latch. From looking at the latches they appear to be open all the way. I guess I might try ajusting the position of the post. Thanks again. Dan85

Jun 7, 2002 | 11:02 AM

tommelton

Drifting

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 1,319

Likes: 2

From: Douglasville GA

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

On the 85, replace the two small gas-charged struts at the front of the hood. They are likely worn out. I replaced mine and my hood work much better now. My original struts were completely worn out, the rod would move freely.

Tom Melton
82 CE
86 Z51 Coupe

Jun 7, 2002 | 11:32 AM

VetBoy89

Burning Brakes

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 755

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From: Patterson CA

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

I had this problem on my '89. I just greased up the springs and now the hood pops up like it should, even with only one gas strut in the front (damn previous owners :mad ).

Just my .02

Jun 7, 2002 | 08:07 PM

fixvet

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 2,631

Likes: 2

From: Clever, MO aka SOMO

Re: Hood spring replacement? (Dan85)

Check out this tech section from MidAmerica Designs website. They have a ton of very usual tech tips and instructions sheets in PDF format.
I hope this opens for you, if not let me know and I'll email it to you.
Good luck,
http://www.madvet.com/pdf/4663.pdf