Trunk Lid Torsion Bar Help

[Lee Craner]

My trunk lid will not stay up. In fact, it feels very heavy when opening. The torsion bars aren't broke and are in the highest (upper) position on both sides. Anyone have any help or hints?

[Graham Rollo]

DSC09376.jpgDSC09377.jpgMaybe the torsion bars have lost some tension

[Barry Wolk]

An automotive spring shop should be able to restore the proper bends. Please post pictures.

[Barry Wolk]

Was your trunk lid ever repaired with lead filler? It's a fine balancing act. To test, put a filler block between the springs and perches. If it stays up it's your springs.

[Blacktophat]

Just fixed mine, I found the the end collar was broken loose and the inner collar was rusted stuck. The end collar was brazed but I welded it back with a lot of spatter from the original brass. Then to get the inner collar I drilled a hole in the collar to fit a zert fitting in the collar. Put creep in the fitting, screwed it in and compressed it with grease. Used an air hammer and after 6hrs it started moving again. Hoping yours isn’t that bad! Best of luck, David

[Knickoliss Iv]

Hey David, are your hinge arms that go bolted to the lid bronze or steel? Mine are bronze but a set I picked up from Jack Rosen are steel. Wondering when the change came. My car is of the first week that came with torsion hinges.

[Blacktophat]

Knick I have two sets I’ll check them both and let you know

[Lee Craner]

Well, last night I video'd both torsion rod connections to the hinges. The weld from the rod to the hinge on the right side is obviously broken. So, before pulling the deck lid and the hinges, any words of wisdom? Anything that I should be aware of before proceeding?

BTW, my collar is steel.

[Blacktophat]

You can’t take the bars out without cutting the welds on the brackets. If you’re gonna grind you might as well weld the collar in the car. Put down damp blanket and welding blankets so you don’t burn the carpet. Check the inner collar the torsion bar should be moving in the collar. If not that is what broke the end collar and will again if you don’t get it lubed up.

[Blacktophat]

Yes the collar is steel but mine was brazed with brass. Clean the joint and you’ll probably see brass