VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1939 trunk support rods

New to old Chevys, so can some explain to me how the trunk lid support rods are supposed to function?

Should they stay up automatically? Or, are you supposed to press the small silver button, on the left side, or just lift the trunk lib up to release the lock?

If mine is broken, is it repairable or do I need to replace it?

Right now, I have to place a pin in the holes on the left side to keep it open.


Thanks;

David

Is your vehicle a coupe or sedan? The coupe and sedan supports are different, usually if the supports do not function correctly they have a spring missing. I haven't checked lately but I&I use to have reproduction springs.

It automaticaly locks to stay up. To lower you lift up on the lid and the lock releases....on my 2 door.

This is what you need. One for each side. (Assuming they are the same as the '38) Don't be surprised if they're out of stock. They break a lot. Last time I needed them I only found them at I&I and bought the last they had in stock. It's been about a year so they may have them back in stock by now. I have some pics I took when replacing mine some time back. If you can't figure it out I'll send them to you. Like Gene said, the lock mechanism works by lifting the deck lid all the way up to lock then lifting up to release. You shouldn't have to push anything.

I found some pics I already had on Photobucket that show the decklid props on my '38. The top pic shows the new spring about to be installed. The bottom shows the remnants of the broken spring. Hope they help. Note: Be VERY careful prying the hold down tab up to release what's left of the broken spring and insert the new one. There is NO warning about when it's about to break. If you break one let me know. I'll tell you how I attached mine.

another job on my list thank you Tiny ..

The little leaf spring pictures is for a 1938 only. The 1939 spring is different.

I & I had the springs at last year's Fall Hershey Meet.....the price went from $8 each to $14 each if I remember correctly...Billu38

Thanks for that info Gene. I wasn't sure so I'm glad you let us know. I searched The Filling Station for 1939 truck support spring and that's what came up so I assumed it was for the '39 as well.

Can you tell me witch way the springs go on my 39 chevy coupe trunk supports thank you .