Best way to install new hood hinge springs?

[MisterB]

I bought all new hinges and springs for my '80 from LMC. I also bought their tool, which is essentially a T handle with a hook on the end. I got the hinges on just fine, but I can't get the new springs on. Had to end up just putting the old springs on.

I'm strong enough to pull them in to position, but there isn't enough space between the last coil and the hook on the spring to clear the slot on the hinge for it to slip on to.

I tried a beefy screwdriver as well, but I just can't quite get the damn things to go on. Ideas?

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[bucket]

Clamp the end of the spring in a vice. While bending the spring back and forth, insert shims (like fender shims) in between the coils when they open up. Just do that until the spring is long enough to slip into place. Once in place on the hinges, just push the hood closed... the shims will all fall out of place as the spring stretches further.

 

[MisterB]

Clamp the end of the spring in a vice. While bending the spring back and forth, insert shims (like fender shims) in between the coils when they open up. Just do that until the spring is long enough to slip into place. Once in place on the hinges, just push the hood closed... the shims will all fall out of place as the spring stretches further.

I'll have to try that. I just found this other option. Maybe I was coming from the wrong angle. I was coming up over the top. This guy came in from the side

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[C10MixMaster]

i just use a big pair of vise grips

 

[bucket]

I'll have to try that. I just found this other option. Maybe I was coming from the wrong angle. I was coming up over the top. This guy came in from the side

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I'll have to try Lucky's way next time, that looked really easy.

 

[Big Chip]

I hooked a chain to the spring and just pulled on it. It takes surprisingly little effort.

 

[MisterB]

I hooked a chain to the spring and just pulled on it. It takes surprisingly little effort.

Were your springs brand new? The brand new ones are pretty damn stiff. The old ones aren't so bad

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[Big Chip]

Were your springs brand new? The brand new ones are pretty damn stiff. The old ones aren't so bad

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I did it with new ones and then with the old ones. It's the same concept as the v-belt but you can use more body weight to pull. If the chain is too thick you'll have trouble getting it hooked and getting the chain off.

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[gotyourgoat]

I'll have to try that. I just found this other option. Maybe I was coming from the wrong angle. I was coming up over the top. This guy came in from the side

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Bunch of chevys in the background of that helpfull video.

 

[bluex]

A drum brake spring tool might do the trick as well...


Like this one https://www.lowes.com/pd/KD-Tools-B...nC6HqK0WsVCRvF9sAZj201DmMQO4vN8xoCYW0QAvD_BwE

 

[Raybo135]

Clamp the end of the spring in a vice. While bending the spring back and forth, insert shims (like fender shims) in between the coils when they open up. Just do that until the spring is long enough to slip into place. Once in place on the hinges, just push the hood closed... the shims will all fall out of place as the spring stretches further.

I was gong to tell him the same thing. Or He could use 1.5 inch washers and insert them and when the spring is lone enough, put it on and close the hood and they will all fall on the floor.

 

[ali_c20]

I use a old seat belt to change or install the hood hinge springs. You have good grip and can pull with both hands and your whole body weight. You don't scratch any paint with the belt canvas. Always worked for me.

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[chiefburns]

I watched a video on YouTube where the guy screwed deck screws in between each spring loop, on opposite sides of each other, and it extended the spring enough to remove it. He did the same for the new spring and just backed the screws out to seat it back on the hinge.

 

[MisterB]

I watched a video on YouTube where the guy screwed deck screws in between each spring loop, on opposite sides of each other, and it extended the spring enough to remove it. He did the same for the new spring and just backed the screws out to seat it back on the hinge.

Holy ****, that sounds suicidal lol

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[MisterB]

So I got it all done. I bought new springs from a different vendor (Classic Industries). Tried the seat belt trick, but couldn't get it to go on the right side. Ended up using the LMC hook tool, and coming in from the side. It just barely snapped on and then I was able to pull it over.

The left side was harder to do. As you know, that one has the hook facing up instead of down. I could not get it to go on. Ended up getting a thick screw driver on the end and leveraged it up there and got it to go on. Wore gloves and safety glasses, because this could all go badly, especially on brand new tight springs and hinges.

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