trunk lid spring adjust

[mbouse]

umm, anyone do this? my head is getting sore from the trunk lid falling.

looks like the springs have one more notch to go, but i'm not sure how exactly to move them to the next setting.

[So Cal Mark]

take a wire coat hanger and stretch it as far as it will go. Hook the spring into one end and pull on the other end. Use a shop towel on the end you'll pull for a cushion

[kristoj]

I used a pair of vice grips. It does take some force to stretch to that last notch.

[mdrburchette]

That's strange. I never have a problem with my early model trunk lid prop.

[racydave]

The prop rod and trunk lid both hit me. Then I took the spring off, and bound a few coils together. I suppose it will fly up without the luggage rack.

[adrians]

Funny you should mention this problem ! It's been a pain in/on my head for the past 12 months as well.

Firstly to adjust the springs I used a length of nylon rope, a 5ft timber stick, some rags to stop the timber damaging the rear bumper rubber and finally a 17yr old son.

Loop the rope around the end of the spring, then around the timber stick a few times.
Then place the rags on the bumper and tighten the tension on the rope. We're using Archimedes principle of leverage here.
Then have the 17yr son pull on the top of the timber stick, using the bumper as the pivot point.
You the owner can then simply guide the spring on and off the adjustment point/notches.

Easy as cake ! ! !

If this fails to fix the problem, because your trunk ( aka Boot lid ) has a luggage rack on it and to much weight for the springs.

Then go for Plan B.

Which is was I did yesterday.

PLAN B
Ring the local mobile Gas Strut Man. He'll come around and install two gas struts for $150.00.

[So Cal Mark]

nice solution. I was thinking Mike could tie some helium ballons to his luggage rack, then the deck lid would fly up when he unlocks it. And the ballons will make it easy to spot the car in the parking lot

[baltobernie]

A cargo net ... what a great idea. Never thought to install one in my Spider; thanks.

I did the gas springs not only on the trunk, but also on the hood. Non-believers tend to push on both surfaces, and that's trouble on the '73 prop rod and all models single-side hood catch. Kits for front or rear are $90 each from a local club member. PM me if you're interested.

[mbouse]

a 17yr old son.
aka Boot lid

1. that would take another 17 years
2. Boot=LBC, this is an Italian forum