72 Roadrunner hood springs
#843064
10/31/10 06:32 PM
10/31/10 06:32 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,719
Space Station #5
471Magnum
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,719
Space Station #5
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I'm convinced my Roadrunner is trying to kill me. It has made several attempts to decapitate me.
Apparently, it does not have the correct hood springs on it. They barely have enough strength to hold the hood open. The slightest disturbance will send the hood crashing down. I've been using an old broom handle as a safety measure. While it's an effective temporary solution, it's a bit tacky.
I've since learned that Roadrunners use a heavier spring than the Satellites. This is regardless of Air Grabber or not, and all Roadrunners use the same spring.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of 71/72 Roadrunner parts cars around here from which to harvest a set of springs.
I have come across several 71-74 Chargers though, and they seem to have a heavier spring. I nabbed a pair in a recent trip to the salvage yard.
Does anyone know for sure if these are the same as Roadrunner springs? They're definitely heavier than the one currently on my car. They aren't too strong, are they? I don't want to have the opposite problem and the rear of the hood bulge up. I'd like to know for sure before I go to the trouble of blasting, painting and installing these.
Also, any tricks to installing them without causing grievous harm to surrounding painted surfaces?
-Jim
I can fix it... my old man is a television repairman.
He's got the ultimate set of tools... I can fix it.
Currently Mopar-less
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Re: 72 Roadrunner hood springs
[Re: 471Magnum]
#843065
10/31/10 07:30 PM
10/31/10 07:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,906
Lower AZ
AZ-Nick
Here Since 1996!
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Here Since 1996!
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,906
Lower AZ
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I was trying to write this all out but there was too much in differences to write so I decided to put this in the post instead..... You may want to click on the attachment for a larger size. As you can see there were a few different coils for 71 and I am sure they extended to 72.
71 GTX 4sp Dana GY9
HD Road King
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Re: 72 Roadrunner hood springs
[Re: MoparMarq]
#843071
10/31/10 09:27 PM
10/31/10 09:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,719
Space Station #5
471Magnum
OP
master
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OP
master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,719
Space Station #5
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It's really the gauge of the wire more than the number of coils that determine the strength, especially when the springs are relaxed. The 18 coil springs on the car now measure about .223". They definitely aren't getting the job done. The 20 coil springs off the Charger measure .201". Hmmm.... 
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Re: 72 Roadrunner hood springs
[Re: 471Magnum]
#843073
10/31/10 09:54 PM
10/31/10 09:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,304
WI
RestoRick
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,304
WI
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Quote:
I'm convinced my Roadrunner is trying to kill me. It has made several attempts to decapitate me.
Apparently, it does not have the correct hood springs on it. They barely have enough strength to hold the hood open. The slightest disturbance will send the hood crashing down. I've been using an old broom handle as a safety measure. While it's an effective temporary solution, it's a bit tacky.
I've since learned that Roadrunners use a heavier spring than the Satellites. This is regardless of Air Grabber or not, and all Roadrunners use the same spring.
Unfortunately, there is a shortage of 71/72 Roadrunner parts cars around here from which to harvest a set of springs.
I have come across several 71-74 Chargers though, and they seem to have a heavier spring. I nabbed a pair in a recent trip to the salvage yard.
Does anyone know for sure if these are the same as Roadrunner springs? They're definitely heavier than the one currently on my car. They aren't too strong, are they? I don't want to have the opposite problem and the rear of the hood bulge up. I'd like to know for sure before I go to the trouble of blasting, painting and installing these.
Also, any tricks to installing them without causing grievous harm to surrounding painted surfaces?
Installing and removing the springs can be done on the car using a 1" wide belt ratchet strap.
Fashion a loop with the strap long enough to allow catching the front eye of the spring and reaching the other end of the loop at the front of the car. Hook the front eye of the spring and pull from the front of the car. A helper is a good idea to catch the spring as you release the tension after unhooking it from the hinge.
Rick
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Re: 72 Roadrunner hood springs
[Re: lahatte]
#843077
02/07/11 01:14 AM
02/07/11 01:14 AM
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,196
Harrisburg, Pa.
screamindriver
master
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master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,196
Harrisburg, Pa.
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Quote:
To 72roadrunnergtx,
I see a water valve in your engine compartment. Can you say where you got it?
Thanks.
Clay
They're on E-bay all the time and prices vary so don't rush into the buy...Also, classic auto air in Fla. is one of the vendors that carry them....
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Re: 72 Roadrunner hood springs
[Re: lahatte]
#843080
02/07/11 02:53 AM
02/07/11 02:53 AM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 765
Shoreline, Washington
72roadrunnergtx
super stock
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super stock
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 765
Shoreline, Washington
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As mentioned, I picked up both of mine(need a spare or two if running this original style valve) off E-bay a couple of years back while collecting parts. Don't recall what exactly I paid for them but would have been around $100 bucks or less. You may be interested in a recent thread relating to these vales & brackets.
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