Trunk Lid Springs

[adrians]

A question about the Trunk lid springs ?
How do I keep it up ! ! ! , it won’t stay open.
( No viagra comments/jokes please ! )

My trunk lid has a luggage rack attached; the springs that retain the trunk lid up when it’s open have lost some of their tension. The springs ends/hooks have been moved all the way back to the last mounting point.
Can I remove the spring at one end ( rear mounting point ) and twist the spring one rotation and reattach it ? Will this increase the tension in the spring and hopefully keep the trunk lid up ?

Thanks

[rlux4]

Adrian, I've looked at the springs on my car, they are on the shortest connection, but I don't have a luggage rack. In answer to your question, i'm of a mind that it would increase the tension potential, but it may put too much stress on the attachment points and bend or break at an end, probably the end with the adjustment slots. Unless you were to reinforce it beforehand. And, have you disconnected those springs yet? They are very strong and difficult to stretch back on, without the extra tension you're considering.
Ron

[mbouse]

yeah, what ron said.

i tried to pull one of those suckers off last night. guess i gotta eat some more wheaties, cuz i did not getter done.

and, i have the same issue as you. as soon as i bend over and reach into my trunk, that lid is sure to drop down on my head.

[rlux4]

That's exactly how I found out how hard it is. My lid stays up, barely. I thought I'd adjust it back one notch. I got one off and it was such a hassle I thought, hey, the lid is fine just like it is.
Ron

[mbouse]

mine are all the way back to the furthest from the hinge setting as well.

[So Cal Mark]

those springs weren't strong enough with a luggage rack attached. The easy solution is to get a stay rod from an early deck lid and install it. As for moving the springs on the notches, there's an easy trick. Easy once you see it done, but sort of difficult to describe. Maybe it's time for a youtube tutorial?

[rlux4]

Would we be able to see the technique? I mean will you have your cowboy hat off?
Then yes.
Ron

[Jazgeek]

maybe weld in a hydraulic shock like they have in a mini van. I'm sure they come in all sorts of sizes.

[adrians]

Well thank you all for the input .... I am glad I - ''didn't try this at home''

As far as removing and reconnecting the spring I was going to use a length of thin nylon rope and a 6 foot steel pinch bar and my 16 year old son. I was going to tie one end around the hook of the spring and the other tight against the bar, then place the bar upright on the ground and braced against the rear bumper. Then have my son pull on the top on the bar (backwards) and hopefully lever the spring off the slots - guided by me. I know how dangerous these things are I still have a scar on my hand from last time.

Anyway I won't be doing that, instead I'll ring the local 'gas strut man', who comes to your home and fits a new gas struts which should have the correct upward pressure ! - only costs money - not time and pain !

[Curly]

I used to have a trunk on SPYDUH, it ran from the standard air filter to the exhaust heat shield. It was removed when the twin Webers were fitted.
But if you're talking about the BOOT LID (Adrian - you should have know better ), then the simplest fix would be like So Cal Mark suggested, using the early method of a spring loaded prop. Perhaps even one on each side,

I'd be worried about the force that a hydraulic strut would exert on the lid itself when pushing it shut, as well as any mounting point attached to the bodywork.
It's interesting to note that my 124 AC coupe (1968 model) has springs holding open the boot lid, but it wasn't until after 1976 that they were used on the spiders.

[adrians]

Curly,

Trunk Lid - Boot Lid , you have to go with the general populace ! - 260Million Vs 21Million

Trunk, transmission, boot
Boot, gearbox, Tonneau cover

Thanks for the suggestion, I might steal the gas strut from the Calais or the wife's Astra converible (boot one - not the power drive for the folding roof - however that would be good for the boot lid of the Spider) to see how they go first !

Regards

[Curly]

Curly,
Trunk Lid - Boot Lid , you have to go with the general populace ! - 260Million Vs 21Million
Trunk, transmission, boot
Boot, gearbox, Tonneau cover
Regards

All the more reason to fight for what's ours .... (together with the Poms and the Kiwis of course).
Language is such an integral part of our culture; it would be a tragedy to loose it by simply being overwhelmed. We are already seeing the Americanisation of our car advertisements, Mazda are discussing what's under the 'hood' on TV, and we now have SUVs not 'Four Wheel Drives' on our roads.
I believe our culture and heritage is worth sticking up for, and I would hope that all Aussies, as well as Kiwis and Poms reading this, will keep using the phraseology and spelling that identifies us as being who we are. We may even try to persude the Canadians to join us
Besides it's ANZAC Day tomorrow and what better time to reflect upon and celebrate all things Aussie.

OK, soapbox episode over.

ANZAC (Australia, New Zealand Army Corps) A National public holiday of rememberence, in honour of those who fought and died in the service of our Country.

[mbouse]

you go ahead and call it what you like.... just remember that here we may ask for clarification if you call it a hood a bonnet or refer to the trunk as a boot, as the general populace here speaks American English.

whether that is good or not, is a completely different discussion. it does go with the accent.

I will try to speak Aussie when i stop down to visit you, but please don't flame me too bad when i stumble.

by the way, what are decent Fiat Spider forums down under?

[Danno]

what do you need to keep your trunk open for anyway? lol. one arm full of luggage is all it can hold, so you can hold it with the other arm. OR you are removing a battery or spare tire, so use the trunk floor to hold it open by wedging it in the appropriate spot (i've not tried this, but surely it's possible). Problem solved in the laziest way possible, that seems to be my motto lately. I'm a trained professional though, so don't try these lazy man tricks at home, kids.

[adrians]

Danno,
I was rewiring the battery connections yesterday and the existing support system was getting in the way !

Yes, I did move the stick left and right !

Mbouse,
There isn't any Spider specific forum in Oz that I know of, since the cars where never sold here. All cars are private imports, we did however have the 124 Coupes, Sedans and Wagons. The popular Australian Fiat Forum is http://www.turbo124.com.au