Hood Spring Installation

[RobertKB]

OK, so I have another problem. To adjust my hood and fenders properly I found it easier to do without the tension of the hood springs attached to the hinges. Everything lines up as it should. I searched the forum for threads on how to install the hood springs and found one thread. I tried the method suggested by Rockwood but I cannot get the spring to be in the correct position for hooking on the bottom. This involves hooking the spring on the hinge and then pulling down to hook on the bottom. This may work OK for a Chrysler but I cannot get it to work for my Dodge D25.

Is there an easier way to do this? One other suggestion was to undo the front bolt and hook on the spring and then lever the hinge up to put the bolt back in. Not sure what to use for leverage this way.

To make a long story short......what are some of the ways you have installed hood hinge springs on a P15 (same body as Canadian Dodge D25) that work well. Detailed instructions would be appreciated. I would prefer not to take the hood off at this point but am prepared to do so if necessary. Any help appreciated.

[1941Rick]

I can offer two ways.......

First.....brake spring pliers have been made to hook up brake springs.....put the handle of the pliers throught the eye of the hood spring and then hook the end over the ear of the hinge and lift up. the spring will slide along the pliers and snap it is on....

Second....A bit more tricky....use a # 3 Phillips screw driver and use the same proceedure...........a bit harder on the knuckles......

[mrwrstory]

Haven't reinstalled my hood spring yet but,.....to remove it, I made a tool. The tool is about 30" long, has a hook on one end and a sturrip on the other. When I removed the spring, I droppped the tool down in the space open to the ground directly below the lower attachment point of the spring. I hooked the hooked end over the loop on the bottom end of spring and then could place my foot in the stirrup which was 6" or so off the ground. My weight placed in the stirrup was enough to extend the spring to the point that I could lever it off the stationary hook.

I was plannig to reinstall by reversing the above procedure. Maybe you could varify that it works.

I would be happy to send a pic and dimensions of needed.

Edited March 25, 2011 by mrwrstory
misspelt

[mrwrstory]

Here is for Robt. and anyone else who may be interested. I'd like to know how it works for reinstalling the springs and/or if any refinements are suggested.

[RobertKB]

Here is for Robt. and anyone else who may be interested. I'd like to know how it works for reinstalling the springs and/or if any refinements are suggested.

Thanks very much for posting that. It looks like it should work very nicely. Just wondering what diameter rod you used for that?

I will take that down to a local welding shop and he will be able to make one for me. I don't weld so will have one made. It would always be handy for me or the next owner.....if and when it comes time to remove the springs again.

[55 Fargo]

Rob, this looks like it may work, I was thinking about this last night, and kept thinking, about my hay bail hook.

Hay bail hooks are very similar, but are but with much heavier material.

I hope this works, this tool could also be useful for removing stubborn water distribution tubes......Fred

[mrwrstory]

Robt. Sorry I missed your question. It's 1/4" rod stock. If you had heat enough to make the hook, you could almost put one together without welding. It's real satisfying to make a tool that can be used for a special job.

[RobertKB]

Robt. Sorry I missed your question. It's 1/4" rod stock. If you had heat enough to make the hook, you could almost put one together without welding. It's real satisfying to make a tool that can be used for a special job.

Thanks for the info. I will see what I can come up with.

[knighthawk]

try this....

[mrwrstory]

try this....

I've done that too. Diff. car. If memory serves, I made a fixture to mount in my bench vice. Levered on the springs so's I could put spacers between the coils until it was long enough to hook on the hood and cowl.