Author Topic: trunk lid prop rod options (Read 588 times)

sigtauenus · « **on:** March, 21, 2010, 07:20:12 PM »

So I have the Dynacorn trunk lid hinges, which Jason pointed out aren't as strong (spring tension) as original, and the Dynacorn trunk lid is heavier than the original piece too.

So my trunk lid doesn't stay up by itself.

I remember 69 or 70's with the spoilers had a prop rod for the trunk lid. Would that work geometry wise for 68? What about using a gas assist like newer cars? I'd prefer the prop rod as I think it would be less modification involved and otherwise less unsightly.

cmayna · « **Reply #1 on:** March, 28, 2010, 06:20:35 AM »

Why not get some decent originals and refurbish them? I'd hate to see you use a prop rod.

sigtauenus · « **Reply #2 on:** March, 28, 2010, 01:01:12 PM »

I guess its a crap shoot for originals. The ones in my car had broken springs and had no tension anyhow. Effectively what I need is more spring tension. I wonder if I can wind the spring around one more time?

tarafied1 · « **Reply #3 on:** March, 28, 2010, 07:13:34 PM »

or you could get the 67 torsion bar type...

68EFIvert · « **Reply #4 on:** March, 28, 2010, 08:49:28 PM »

I am using 3/4" acrylic rod with rubber covers on each end. I got the rubber ends at the hardware store and the clear acrylic rod on ebay. It looks pretty nice IMO.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-CLEAR-ACRYLIC-ROUND-RODS-3-4-dia-6-FT-PLASTIC-72_W0QQitemZ200442572659QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2eab4eef73

http://www.dxengineering.com/products.asp?ID=189

daveSanborn · « **Reply #5 on:** April, 02, 2010, 07:10:48 AM »

IIRC it's Aeroform that sells a very clean gas shock w/mounting hardware. We're using one on Joe's FB and it works GREAT.

A small angle bracket bolts onto the trunk floor up on the transition pan behind the rear seat/trap door... and the other end of the shock mounts to one of the hinges at a specified in the instructions location. No springs, no tension rods, just the gas strut and it works fine.

garner67 · « **Reply #6 on:** April, 02, 2010, 08:40:31 AM »

Quote from: daveSanborn on April, 02, 2010, 07:10:48 AM

IIRC it's Aeroform that sells a very clean gas shock w/mounting hardware. We're using one on Joe's FB and it works GREAT.

A small angle bracket bolts onto the trunk floor up on the transition pan behind the rear seat/trap door... and the other end of the shock mounts to one of the hinges at a specified in the instructions location. No springs, no tension rods, just the gas strut and it works fine.

I knew a supplier had a kit for a gas strut trunk hinge setup, but I couldn't remember who. While I bet it's cheaper to go to the junkyard and pull some gas struts from a vehicle with a hatchback, but buying a kit for $60 isn't too pricey and you know it's going to work. I'm going to order that kit today. Thanks.

garner67 · « **Reply #7 on:** April, 02, 2010, 10:42:54 AM »

Hold the phone...

I decided to source my own gas struts and assemble the pieces myself. I found a vendor on eBay, and I purchased all the necessary parts for about $50, including shipping.

I'll post pics when I install everything.

66gt350 · « **Reply #8 on:** April, 02, 2010, 10:50:44 AM »

Is using a piece of rebar too redneck?? :craz

daveSanborn · « **Reply #9 on:** April, 02, 2010, 12:08:33 PM »

Quote from: garner67 on April, 02, 2010, 08:40:31 AM

I knew a supplier had a kit for a gas strut trunk hinge setup, but I couldn't remember who. While I bet it's cheaper to go to the junkyard and pull some gas struts from a vehicle with a hatchback, but buying a kit for $60 isn't too pricey and you know it's going to work. I'm going to order that kit today. Thanks.

That's the kit. It's a simple installation and works great.

Fast68back · « **Reply #10 on:** April, 02, 2010, 01:58:43 PM »

Didnt Jeremy do a write up on this?

sigtauenus · « **Reply #11 on:** April, 02, 2010, 02:48:55 PM »

Wow, I already bought the acrylic rod but heck that looks really cool. I bet you can paint those brackets at the trap door and hinge mount body color and it'll blend right in.