how to remove C1 decklid/trunk spring tower?

[James B.]

Can someone please describe the best way to remove the decklid/trunk spring towers from a C1? I need to take mine out because they are frozen, and I wanted to see the best way to get them out. Also, how is the best way to replace the rivets when reinstalling them?

Thanks,

Jim
'59 #5366

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jbiii/59_owners.htm

[Roy B.]

Re: how to remove C1 decklid/trunk spring tower?

Jim If it were me a would buy one of those hand held air blasters and using glass beading , I would bead blast them in the vett. I would just protect the area around them while doing it. To much trouble to take them out to do the same thing. But that's me

[John M.]

Re: how to remove C1 decklid/trunk spring tower?

Jim,
The towers are held in at both the top and bottom. The top fasteners are aluminum rivets and they will have to be drilled out. Thr bottom fasteners are bolts that also have spacer plates between the body and the towers. If you remove the rivets, then unbolt the bolts, then slip the spacers out, the tower can now be tilted slightly and be wiggled out. It is not a real tough job to remove them, but if you are not an experienced riveter, it can be a tough job putting them back in. Roy is correct that you probably can get them working without pulling them out. I allways pull mine since I am real anal rententive and I want to clean and prime them so they are perfect. I have been riveting for over 30 years and find it no big deal, but have seen some of my friends really struggle with the process.

Regards, John McGraw

[Wayne P.]

Re: how to remove C1 decklid/trunk spring tower?

Since I wasn't concerned about judging, I put little chrome buttonhead screws in mine with nyloc nuts on the bottom.

[James B.]

Re: how to remove C1 decklid/trunk spring tower?

I don't have a pic readily available, but the outer brackets around them are pretty far gone and the springs are seized. My dad recommended applying naval jelly to them on a regular basis and they would probably break loose, but the problem is the metal structure around them is eroded as well. Guess I'll have to take a look at them again and see if it's really worth pulling them out. Thanks!

[James F.]

Re: how to remove C1 decklid/trunk spring tower?

Jim,
From time to time I see the towers for sale at Carlisle, decent ones are around. As a replacement to the rivets at the top of the towers, I have used slotless screws. The head looks just like a rivet head. After installation they are painted body color. Underside the threaded section doesn't show. Slotless screws can be purchased from Tioga Stainless, e-mail: tiogastainless@attglobal.net
I have no connection with yada, yada. Hope this helps. Regards,