TexasJohn55 Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Where is old-tank? What is the issue, my '55 won't keep the hood open to full height, always bumping my head. TexasJohn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 Yep.Terrible design. They are all like this. My convertible is the first 55 I have ever owned that is even close to fully open, and I STILL bump my head!Wear a helmet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasJohn55 Posted May 27, 2013 Author Share Posted May 27, 2013 OK Mike, thanks for the reply. I will hunt for some stiffer springs or add an extension to the hinge spring anchor for more leverage. TJ55 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
packick Posted May 27, 2013 Share Posted May 27, 2013 My '55 Century hood is the same way. It doesn't stay open all the way. So after bumping my head several times (and "talking to God" for as many times), I developed a patented hood prop made out of a 2" dowel rod. Actually I made two of them, one for the garage and one I threw in the trunk for when on tours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old-tank Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 This is one case where it might be OK to wear a ball cap backwards. It offers a little padding when you bump your head, and you may be able to see what you are about to bump into.58's are worse. Never work under an open hood with the wind from the rear of those cars...a gust will bring that heavy $%&*@ down on your head.Willie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 ....and if you are hair-deficient, your scar will show for a week ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadmaster75 Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Yes, WillieMy 58 scares me every time... It will stay up after I cycle it up and down a little to warm upthe springs! So, I have taken to carrying a collapsable shower rod to prop it open. Havesome remaining "dents" in my noggin from the blasted things!mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fr. Buick Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Ever try some fresh lube on the hinges? A little WD-40 does wonders to loosen up old lube. Also a broom stick cut to length... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anzac Buick64 Posted May 31, 2013 Share Posted May 31, 2013 Fresh Lube and a broom stick. What are you guys doing!!! Especially Fr BuickCheers Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 Buicks, Caddies, ans Oldsmobiles from the mid '50's are bad like that.If I still had my '56 Olds I would copy this: Bernie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bhclark Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 My '58 will stay up, but prefer a broomstick as back up as it has dropped on me before. OUCH! That sucker's heavy!Wouldn't fresh lube make it worse? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasJohn55 Posted June 1, 2013 Author Share Posted June 1, 2013 My '58 will stay up, but prefer a broomstick as back up as it has dropped on me before. OUCH! That sucker's heavy!Wouldn't fresh lube make it worse?Yep, that's right! Lube does make it easier to close but she flushes up to the cowl and settles in better, just needs stiffer springs to keep it against the stops at full tilt. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KAD36 Posted June 2, 2013 Share Posted June 2, 2013 Ditto! Thunk! @#$%&(*%^)$% Repeat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Airy Cat Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Actually, if you guys didn't have to be under the hood all of the time your hood springs would keep their tension! Ha Ha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasJohn55 Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 Actually, if you guys didn't have to be under the hood all of the time your hood springs would keep their tension! Ha Ha .......Yeah, we like to drive ours! Checked your oil lately?Do your wipers and washers work?Is it inspected? Or do you have it up on a big pedestal just to look at and brag on it? TexasJohn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted June 3, 2013 Share Posted June 3, 2013 Geez John,With the pedestal argument, his hood would be up all the time wouldn't it?All joking aside, I saw a 55 hot rod where the builder had put diagonal turnbuckles from the hinge mount on the hood to about eight inches crime the front of the hood. It took out all of the up / down "shake" when you opened the hood. It basically made both hinges work together to raise the hood. I didn't take a picture of it (that I can find) and you couldn't do this on a restored car, but it was good "re-engineering". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasJohn55 Posted June 3, 2013 Author Share Posted June 3, 2013 Geez John,With the pedestal argument, his hood would be up all the time wouldn't it? Yeah, sorry for the moment of illogical thought processing. TJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick5563 Posted June 8, 2013 Share Posted June 8, 2013 Weak hood springs are nothing compared to the "Train Horns" on a 64 Riviera.I have been denting my cranium mercilessly on a pair of those all week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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