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Joined: May 2002
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I have the hood off my 48 Fleetline and although it did'nt close badly before,there is abit of play in the hinges.Would it be worth my money to change them out for new ones,or is the little bit of play normal even when new?Also is there a trick to removing and reinstalling the hood springs?I really had a  of a time getting the old ones off and I will be putting new tighter ones back on???Thanks,chef
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701 Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Don't know just what a bit of play is but once the springs are off they are not what would be called tight. >>>>>>>As far as installing the springs a safe way without the correct tool I'm sure you wll recieve a lot of suggestions but this is what I did on my "57 after have the hinges replated.This is from a tip that I read about somewhere.You insert a large flat washer between each coil of the spring.This can be done by putting spring in a vise and bending sidewards slightly.rotate side of spring (one on one side one on the other to keep spring straight).You will be amazed as to how much this will lengnthen the spring.After it's installed just yank out the washers.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: May 2002
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The play I am refering to is in the hinge arms moving back and forth because of wear
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Chef-chevy,Just checked a new 49-52 hinge that I have.The hinge arrm is tight around the pin but there is side to side movement.When you move the unattached end of the link sideways it moves a good 1/2 inch or more.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Dec 2001
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ChatMaster - 10,000
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ChatMaster - 10,000
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Chevy Nut, That is a very good tip, these hinge springs have always been a killer to remove and install, When I was younger and braver , and didn't know any better I used a pair of visegrips and a long screwdriver, and hoped that the missle didn't come my way.
I suppose the washers also work to remove the hinges?
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,578
ChatMaster - 3,000
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Chev Nut,my hinge arms are old and don't even move side to side 1/2 inch.I guess no need for replacement.Thanks for the washer tip,I will most definately try it. :cool2: ..chef...
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 62
Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 62 |
Just did the spring thing last week. I used a ratcheting tie-down strap as a frame and finish friendly come-a-long. Drop the long strap down through the engine compartment and either attach it to something solid on the car or on out the front to something in the shop. Tie a loop in a scrap piece of heavy wire and hook the spring and ratchet end of the cable into it and wind it up! No smashed/impaled body parts and no scratches on the car. I was using one of the 5ton straps that I'd used when moving the car but the smaller ones should work too. Just a little more effort.
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