Need help with Hood Spring install

[hotrodbob]

There was a thread a while back on hood springs and one guy that was a master at installing them. I need help:confused:! Heck, I'm so frustrated:confused:, I buy lunch or beer pay to get help installing them.

[randroid]

Bob,

It isn't too difficult to install them and there are a number of ways to do it; each method requiring the application of your frontal lobe and opposable thumbs. You're thinking like the spring and you must make it think like you.

Two BF Screwdrivers have been suggested to open spaces in the spring to increase its length and\or the addition of spacers. If you have a good supply of washers on hand those will work but don't buy any just for this job. Instead use pennys because their cheaper and easier to use; it just takes more of them to do the job.

A few years ago I needed to replace a swivel rivet in one of the hood hinges on Pigiron, my '48 P-15. To fabricate the rivet I found it a lot more simple to remove the entire hinge and take it into the shop than drag assorted tools out to the car, especially since I didn't have a clue what I was doing but knew instinctively I would be touching a lot of tools to get it done. Time to reinstall I put one bolt in to hold the bottom of the hinge to the car, hooked both ends of the spring in their respective places, then used the hinge assembly as a pry lever to bring it up to put in another bolt to hold it in place. Expect to (maybe) needing to tweak the hood alignment if you go this route.

Fred (Rockwood) suggested using a lever close to the ground that you step on to stretch the springs. That method seems to be the quickest and least painful. The hardware needed can probably be scrounged around the garage be it chain or baling wire or nylon rope. Hook the spring in it's little place on top and arrange the pull-down to bring the bottom of the spring to where it can grasp to the body. If you use a chain be sure to have some form of hook on the end of it or you'll need to cut it off when you're done.

There are more ways to do the same jobs on our cars than there are ways to cook an egg, so if you find an easier way of doing something share it here. We all learn all the time.

-Randy

[mrwrstory]

[alan32433]

There was a thread a while back on hood springs and one guy that was a master at installing them. I need help:confused:! Heck, I'm so frustrated:confused:, I buy lunch or beer pay to get help installing them.

A couple of months ago I installed the springs on my 48 DeSoto. After I figured out a way to do it, it was literally simple. I posted my method back then but I'll repeat.

With the hood off. Mount the rear bolt on the hinge loosely. Lower the front of the hinge (into the cowl) as far as you can. You will be able to connect the spring at this point. With the hinge in the up position as if the hood were raised (from the drivers side hinge), extend your left fore arm under the raised portion of the hinge and place your hand on the cowl around where the web seal is (for leverage). Then all you need to do is push up with your elbow until the front bolt hole is aligned, and put the bolt in place. I did it by myself, but if you have a helper to install the bolt, it would be easier. When you do the passenger side, you'll be using your right arm as leverage.

I included a few pictures of my car with all the recent progress.

[mrwrstory]

There is a short description and illustration of the process in the latest Street Rodder Magazine. They're talkin brake return springs but the technique applies.

[Oldguy48]

While we're discussing hood spring installation, I noticed that there are two possible positions to attach the lower end of the hood springs on my P15. It's been quite some time since I removed them, and I can't recall which position was used. Does it matter? Seems like there must have been a reason for two positions, but I'm just not sure. Thanks.

[greg g]

There was just a deal o one of the TV shows where they levered the coils apart and inserted rubber block shims, extending it to a length that allowed the hood to be partially opened and proped up. the spring was installed, the hood fully opened and the shims just about fell out.

[My55F100]

While we're discussing hood spring installation, I noticed that there are two possible positions to attach the lower end of the hood springs on my P15. It's been quite some time since I removed them, and I can't recall which position was used. Does it matter? Seems like there must have been a reason for two positions, but I'm just not sure. Thanks.

Did anyone provide an answer the question in this thread concerning the proper location of the location of the lower end of the spring? I am new to this forum and just getting started reassembling my P-15. I bought the car in pieces so I didn't remove the springs or hood hinges myself. They were in a bag in the trunk of the car when I got it. Thanks in advance for any info.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I noticed on my P15 2 door sedan while taking a picture for another person to answer a question that the location was the rearward one..closest to the bulkhead.

[Rusty O'Toole]

While we're discussing hood spring installation, I noticed that there are two possible positions to attach the lower end of the hood springs on my P15. It's been quite some time since I removed them, and I can't recall which position was used. Does it matter? Seems like there must have been a reason for two positions, but I'm just not sure. Thanks.

I think they had alternative positions for adjustment purposes. Either at the factory, or if the hood springs sagged after long use, you could put them in the other position for more tension.

[mrwrstory]

I think they had alternative positions for adjustment purposes. Either at the factory' date=' or if the hood springs sagged after long use, you could put them in the other position for more tension.[/quote']

I have the same question. Which is the "other" position?

[Brandon S]

Trying to get the hood/hinges/springs on this weekend but heck, I never had the hinges on the car to see where these springs go.  Does one end hook on a little angle bracket mounted on the cowl and the other on the notch on the hinge???  Does the cowl bracket supposed to have a pin or swivel inserted??  Read the techniques with coins and swivels but does the long stem go downward or upwars?  Does anybody have a pic to spare??  Thanks and appreciated.

[mrwrstory]

I posted pics on this subject some time ago but they are long gone.

I devised a sorta stirrup kinda tool that enabled me to stretch the spring from the hinge down to the bracket on the cowl.  If no one contributes pics in the next day or so, I would be happy to re-photo the tool and the installation.

Also to the question, I found no difference, in function or force, between the two mounting points on the lower bracket.  And as I recall, the top vs bottom of the spring is apparent when you observe clearances for the top and bottom hooks for installation.