How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way?

Posted By: lahatte

How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 06:12 AM

I know there is a way to adjust trunk hinge springs without the great danger and paint scratching that comes with trying to move the spring end from one notch to another, but I am not sure about the technique.

Anyone know the correct way to install/adjust these things? Thanks.

Posted By: mightycuda

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 04:26 PM

Bump this back to the top. Inquiring minds want to know.
Thanks

Posted By: GMP440

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 06:55 PM

Yes, they can be adjusted. I did this on my 68' Dodge Coronet. Keep in mind the direction of more tension is towards the rear of the car and less tension is towards the front of the car. I tied a rope to the loop part of the rod that goes in the hole. I would pull the rope out and back until the rod goes to the next hole. Yes, it does scratch the paint, but when you are done just scuff the scratches and shoot a little paint to touch up that area.

Posted By: A12

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 07:26 PM

Sounds good (need to do this to the GTX) but isn't there a way to NOT scratch the paint? Maybe a paint stirrer or something taped to the area between the slots?

MikeR

Posted By: JohnRR

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 07:28 PM

Quote:

Sounds good (need to do this to the GTX) but isn't there a way to NOT scratch the paint? Maybe a paint stirrer or something taped to the area between the slots?

MikeR

By the design of them I think there is very little chance of not scratching the paint ....

Posted By: A12

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 09:08 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Sounds good (need to do this to the GTX) but isn't there a way to NOT scratch the paint? Maybe a paint stirrer or something taped to the area between the slots?

MikeR

By the design of them I think there is very little chance of not scratching the paint ....

seeing that you need to do both sides, I'm thinking about using one of my many motorcycle "ratcheting" tie down straps between both springs and pulling them both out with the ratchet at the same time and then moving the trunk lid and releasing the tie down strap at just the right point

I'll let you know

Posted By: A12

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 09:12 PM

this kind of tie down, what do you think?

Posted By: A12

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 09:25 PM

I'm thinking it just might work, even looped with a place to put the plastic covered tie down hooks

MikeR

Attached picture 6914358-DSC02091acopy.jpg

Posted By: burdar

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/11/11 10:14 PM

At least put some painters tape on the paint for a little protection.

Posted By: A12

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/12/11 01:17 AM

another way would be to get an all-thread rod, turnbuckle and "hook" shape the all-thread on each end (cover with rubber hose) with the turnbuckle in the center. I think they have hooks that can be threaded on also as another option.

Posted By: lahatte

Re: How to Install/Adjust Trunk Springs - The Right Way? - 11/12/11 05:30 AM

I seem to recall that there is an easy way to install these. I might be wrong, but what I recall is that the locking tip that goes in the slot is put in first, then the upper part of the rod is pulled into its location. I haven't tried this. I was waiting for some posts here.