Installing Hood Springs

[tonypaul]

Is there any tricks to installing new hood springs on the hinges? (my hinges and hood is already on the truck)

[camaney]

I seen a pic they pull the springs with the jack. then they put a wrench on each coil so it will stay extended then put it in hood and Remove the wrenches u can use anything
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[Boog]

Some clever sole told of using a fan belt to loop over one end of the spring and pulling it to extend the spring and slip over the hinge. I've not tried it but it sounds easier than what I used to do. Maybe safer than using a jack also.

[C10-Driver]

I have used a rag to install them. If the hinges are secure (installed), it works very well... Put one end of the spring on and the rag over the other end, wrap the ends of the rag around your hand and pull it on. Works similar to the fan belt trick Boog mentioned.

[Jacfourteen]

I used a tie down ratchet strap, I hooked the spring to the rear part of the hinge, then I hooked the spring hook through the hook of the tiedown (the end without the ratchet) and wrapped the strap around my hand a few times then pulled it and hooked the spring on to the front side of the hinge.

[tonypaul]

I got it to work with a rag on one of the old springs. But these new springs will barley move.

[C10-Driver]

I have had success using a rag on both old and new springs. My bodyman prefers to use a big screwdriver or prybar. I find it a little precarious and it scratches up painted or powdercoated parts if you slip. That being said, I have seen him install quite a few using that method. Put the back of the spring on, then pry the other end on. The spring kind of slides into place if you get it right. Just a thought... You are trying to install them in the open position right??? The spring should be under very little tension with the hood open and stretches when the hood is closed.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

I smell some trips to the Emergency Room. BTDT.

Mechanical advantage does not care if it smooshes meat.

Be careful out there, Boyz and Girls. Slow and easy.

[Bob B.]

The best, safest, and quickest way I have found to install hood hinge springs is to use the large brake spring pliers that are for heavy trucks (air brakes). These are very similar to the type most of you probably have in your toolboxes, they are just a lot larger.

[Roscoep]

Check this thread out:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=216884

[LONGHAIR]

The screwdriver method works fine, but it may not be great for freshly painted hinges. The "loop" method works for those, whether it's a fan belt, rope, etc. it takes a bit more strength though.

[hayhauler71]

I used a quick grip spreader bar. put the ends of the quick grip on the end of the spring and squeeze the grip till the spring is expanded enough to put on the hinge.

[nyncompute]

I used a length of chain. Put one end of the spring through a link and fashioned a handle on the other end out of rope. Pulled it up and out of the way. Made sure the spring was at its shortest travel. I was surprised how easy it was .

[Tom Vogel]

How about using an engine hoist?
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[gonzo6869]

I don't know, maybe I am missing something. When I replaced my springs, I installed the new ones by hand (fingers, no other tools), all I did was hold the hood open as far as it would go (this minimizes the gap) and then just pulled the spring on. Don’t get me wrong it was hard, but not impossible.

[tonypaul]

These are new chrome springs that I got off ebay. It seems after putting them in a floor I found out that they are stuck together in many places. You get what you pay for...... My truck came with only 1 spring so I guess I will search for 1 more.