59 trunk spring adjustment

[John C.]

can these be adjusted to hold the lid up higher?

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: 59 trunk spring adjustment

John,

There is adjustment information in the AIM. Basically it shows a 1/8" gap between the hinge arm and the fiberglass lip that makes up the trunk/decklid surround while in the open position.

Hope this helps.

[John M.]

Re: 59 trunk spring adjustment

John,
If memory serves me right, the only adjustments control the stops at which the 2 lids can go to in the full open position. The only way to increase the opening pressure is to replace the springs or to shim under the springs with a stack of washers. The new springs that I bought from CC, fail to raise the lid fully so I am going to have to try the shim tecnique myself. While I have it apart, I will try to stretch the spring first, since I am not sure how much shimming I can do before the springs will bind in the closed position.

Regards, John McGraw

[Joe Maulsby]

Re: 59 trunk spring adjustment

John, I used the shim method on my 1960 trunk about 12 years ago and the trunk lid is still maintaining a fully open position (it actually drops maybe an inch or so). Just kept adding washers until the maximum open position was achieved. Never had a problem closing the trunk since then.

[Jeffrey C.]

Re: 59 trunk spring adjustment

Instead of washers I used front end shims as they are already slotted adequately. Put the shims under the springs and you won't have to sorry about falling out and they won't be visible once you put the trunk partition board in place. I had about a 3-4 inch droop and now I it's only about 1/2 inch or less with about 4 shims. Get them from the local Napa store and get the ones with tabs cause the are easy.