How do you install new hood hinge springs?

[srsummers]

What's the best was to do this without killer yourself or more importantly not sctraching new paint and powder coat?

[jonzcustomshop]

Cover the area with masking tape to prevent scratches,then peel it out before the bolts are tightened up.

I cant remember which bolt is first-maybe someone else will chime in- but you snug one, and the let the hinge rock forward and back around the other, and that gives you enough room to get the spring on.

[fleetsidelarry]

Originally Posted by srsummers

What's the best was to do this without killer yourself or more importantly not sctraching new paint and powder coat?

my son-in-law showed me a trick a couple of months ago and I've since used it twice to install (and once to remove) these hood springs and again on the tension spring on a mower. Install the hinge and move it to the full up position, get some small (1/4 inch diameter) rope (like clothes-line) and tie it to one end of the spring. Put the back end of the spring in its slot and, standing in front, pull on the rope. If you do it just right the spring pops into place.

[Frizzle Fry]

There's another thread somewhere about this. I haven't tried it but you basically stretch the spring with your floor jack and put spacers (big washers or whatever you have around the shop) between each coil. Then let the jack down and the spring will be spaced out longer. You will have to play with the number of spacers to get it to a point where you can get it on the hinge with the hood full open. Then carefully lower the hood and take the spacers out.

[Corts60]

A pair of vise-grips, two beers and a first aid kit.....

No seriously though, what was mentioned above is a good and safe way, always be careful though...

[ruffrida2005]

Corts you forgot the duct tape and bailing wire.

[slepysal]

i have used the rope technique . I had my nighbor "tap" it with a hammer to help seat it

[kizer]

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

There's another thread somewhere about this. I haven't tried it but you basically stretch the spring with your floor jack and put spacers (big washers or whatever you have around the shop) between each coil. Then let the jack down and the spring will be spaced out longer. You will have to play with the number of spacers to get it to a point where you can get it on the hinge with the hood full open. Then carefully lower the hood and take the spacers out.

That is an awesome idea. Thank you for posting it.