Hood spring installation tip

[markeb01]

Somebody has probably done this before, but I didn’t find much when looking for ideas. So here are photos of how I installed mine this morning when there wasn’t any assistance available. The first thing needed is a solid anchor to pull against. My “clean bench” is bolted to the wall studs on two levels, and the bench is assembled with bolts, so I knew it was up to the task.

I clamped a piece of steel tubing to the spring support projecting forward a few feet in front of the truck to assist in lining the truck up with the bench leg (sorry no picture). I parked the truck aiming the tubing just inboard of the bench leg, so the spring would not be dragged against anchor support.

I hooked the spring to the hinge arm, and used an industrial S hook on the other end to provide more flexibility to the ratchet strap hook. The ratchet strap pulled the spring into position, and a squeeze clamp was used to press it into the slot and hold it in position. Since the ratchet tension cannot be controlled when released, I simply drove the truck forward a couple of inches until the strap relaxed on the inner fender, and that was it.

I also used this technique to remove the springs. And by pre-drilling front and rear alignment holes in the hinge mounting plates, they were reinstalled in exactly the same location using two 1/8” pilot bits. As a result no adjustment is required and there are no scars on the hinges or the mounting bolts.

Here are photos showing the process and the finished assembly.

[jocko]

hey Mark, engine compartment paint job looks great!! what did you use to pain it? Is that hammertone or krinkle paint, etc? I really like it.

And thanks for the idea of how to remove/install hood springs. Of course, I'd probably have actually shot a spring through the far side of the garage if I tried that, but I sure can't think of another way. Also like the "just drive the truck forward" to remove tension. I'd have scratched my head a little on that one.

[steverino66]

another great tip!
and your underhood paint job is outstanding (been following that on the "what did you do today" thread)

[markeb01]

It's UPOL Raptor Bed Liner. A lot of people buy it from TP Tools. I was in a hurry so I bought mine locally and paid more for it. Make sure you get the kit complete with the gun. The threads are unique to UPOL bottles. I have a 3M Schutz gun but it won't screw onto the UPOL containers.

http://www.tptools.com/Product.aspx?display_id=2600

For whatever reason the Amazon link won't work this morning. They also sell it for $109.00

[Frizzle Fry]

I like the washers between the coils trick. Seems safer too. Nice ingenuity though!
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[Big Fenders]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

I like the washers between the coils trick. Seems safer too. Nice ingenuity though!
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I used pennies to remove springs in a few projects Same as Frizzle Fry washers. So easy and easy to replace springs too.
Iv'e used vice grips a few times too....not as good as your set-up
Bob.

[JohnnyBoy350]

I just spent 40 minuites fighting a prybar to get mine on. Scratches everything up. This is a great idea.

Oh and, that engine compartment looks awesome...great job!

-John

[jocko]

Really? Bedliner? No kidding, I was gonna guess that at first, but it looks way too nice - while I can clearly see texture, I thought it was too smoothe for bedliner material - I better write this one down. jocko like.

[wutnxt]

I have used wooden door wedges before to push the springs apart to get them to go on.....but never considered the method you just showed me ...Thats thinking ....goes to show you that if someone puts thier mind to doing something...they will find a way. Thanks for sharing

[65Gregg]

Your engine compartment looks great!! I hook the rea spring hook into the hinge then use a piece of rope and pull on the front hook and stretch it to the attachement point. I remove them the same way.

[Bugeyev8]

you guys make way too big of a deal when installing the springs, I just put the front bolt on and the spring and then rotate the whole hinge back and install the rear bolt...no big deal

[TR65]

Here is another way to add to the mix. Similar to the tool the shop manual uses.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=378660

TR

[Captainfab]

That's exactly how I've been doing them for 30+ years. If you have nice powder/paint on the inner fender, just cover the area with masking tape first, and then remove it once you have the hinge and spring loosely in place.

Originally Posted by Bugeyev8

you guys make way too big of a deal when installing the springs, I just put the front bolt on and the spring and then rotate the whole hinge back and install the rear bolt...no big deal

[Vernski]

Some of you may be to young to remember what brake spring pliers are but they work great for me....Vernski

[T2vigil]

Vern, you'r telling your age. But sadly I too remember.

[MikeS.]

Originally Posted by T2vigil

Vern, you'r telling your age. But sadly I too remember.

Yuuuuup, me too. Thankfully I still have my old pair, needed them for the Burb.
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[Chevy Fleetside]

Originally Posted by Bugeyev8

you guys make way too big of a deal when installing the springs, I just put the front bolt on and the spring and then rotate the whole hinge back and install the rear bolt...no big deal

That is how I do it also.

[koda360]

Originally Posted by chevy fleetside

that is how i do it also.

x4...

[wutnxt]

bugeyev8

Ya i have used that method as well and it works great...but if everything is already powder coated or painted all nice the chance of a scratch goes up...

[Newold65]

Hah I just did mine like fifteen minutes ago. Wish I would have read this or any of the other suggestions first. I grabbed a chain and pulled and then told a buddy to help out with the promise of "I'll try not to let go".

[1963c-10]

Chevy actually made a tool for the job. Looks like a large comb, but Ive only seen pics of them.

[markeb01]

Here's another thread showing a home made version of a device to hold the spring open:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...spring+install

[piratexpress1369a]

funny i just did the same thing and same side in june ..lol

[K98AL]

My hood raises up in the back when closed -looks terrible. Do new hood springs generally fix this?

[markeb01]

Originally Posted by K98AL

My hood raises up in the back when closed -looks terrible. Do new hood springs generally fix this?

New springs won’t help. Your hinges are out of alignment and will need correction, shimming, or replacement depending on what’s wrong. Here are the factory instructions on how to align the hood: