BTBrent Posted May 3, 2021 Share Posted May 3, 2021 So, I'm the guy that spent the big bucks to buy what I thought was a concours level 1971 which has been posted elsewhere on this site. But that horror story is not the reason for this post. I came up with a little trick which I am surprised I haven't seen before. One of the numerous problems on this car is that the hood would not stay open. I searched, on and off, for a couple of months trying to find hood springs. I finally stumbled on a post, looking for another part, that mentioned CTC auto in Texas and sure enough they had a pair of springs. Rusty but correct. When I got them I sandblasted them, stretched them a bit, cleaned, primed and painted them. I searched for the best way to install them. I saw using a v-belt to yank them off. Something my bad back wouldn't tolerate. I saw lowering the hood to stretch the spring and shove a bunch of washers/spacers between the coils then open the hood back up. Which would work if I had a pile of rather large washers but then I would have to stretch the spring to get the washers out and stretch the replacement spring to put the washers back in. Below is a picture of what I did. I couldn't believe how well it worked and how easy and simple it was. The ratchet strap was hooked to each end of the spring The 2x4 didn't need to be that long but it was what I had. On a side note, the springs on the car were totally wrong. They were over 2" in diameter. the replacements were 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 diameter. Now I'm wondering what other parts on this car are "close but no cigar"? Anyway, glad to be a new ROA member and hope this helps someone. Damn, upside down. How did that happen? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 I just use a BIG screwdriver. Tom T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTBrent Posted May 4, 2021 Author Share Posted May 4, 2021 Yeah, but can't that be a little hard on the paint? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NC1968Riviera Posted May 4, 2021 Share Posted May 4, 2021 On 5/3/2021 at 7:00 PM, BTBrent said: The ratchet strap was hooked to each end of the spring The 2x4 didn't need to be that long but it was what I had. What is the other end of the ratchet strap attached to? (not wearing my glasses) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 BTBrent, It has all to do with how you handle the situation. Originally they were NOT painted, but a cadium??? plating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTBrent Posted May 5, 2021 Author Share Posted May 5, 2021 The ratchet strap goes around the board and is attached to the other end of the spring. I was surprised at how easy it was to use if you know how to release a ratchet strap one notch at a time. Telriv, I did not know they were plated. Thanks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted May 5, 2021 Share Posted May 5, 2021 Thanks for the tip, I have a car with hood and trunk springs that need replacing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted May 6, 2021 Share Posted May 6, 2021 On 5/4/2021 at 11:39 PM, JFranklin said: Thanks for the tip, I have a car with hood and trunk springs that need replacing. Year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seafoam65 Posted May 6, 2021 Share Posted May 6, 2021 (edited) In my shop I've always looped a long V-belt over the end of the spring and pulled on the other end of the belt and stretched the spring and removed it. It is very easy to do it this way and takes five seconds........no need for a bunch of mumbo jumbo. Edited May 6, 2021 by Seafoam65 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BTBrent Posted May 6, 2021 Author Share Posted May 6, 2021 Wow, mumbo jumbo, a strap and a 2x4. I mentioned the I have a bad back and that yanking on a v-belt wasn't going to happen, even prying was questionable. I don't know what the median age of Riviera owners are but I'm sure I'm not the only one with a back problem. I am new to ROA and this was my first post. I thought I was just being helpful with what I wrongfully thought was a good idea. I stand corrected. It seems you guys already have all the answers. So good luck to ya, I wish you well and I'm out of here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seafoam65 Posted May 6, 2021 Share Posted May 6, 2021 Sorry you are offended.......probably a poor choice of words on my part....no need to leave the forum on my account......I'm sure your method works fine as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted May 7, 2021 Share Posted May 7, 2021 BTBrent, I'm sorry if you felt offended in ANY way. You felt that you had come up with a way to make it easier for many to install these hood hinge springs. I know as a youngster I had problems installing these springs until an old mechaic showed me his method. All your trying to do is pass on a tip, like everyone here, you felt would be helpful to everyone. All everyone is trying to do is be helpful. Hope you stick around. I think you read into it the wrong way OR interppreded it wrong. Again, not to be offensive but sit back & take a chill pill. You will find this group to be very friendly. Most all have been there & done that as well as myself for 60+ years. Tom T. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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