40 Ford coupe trunk supports

kelly.ga

kelly.ga

Senior Member
someone posted awhile back a method for modifying the springs that don't hold up the trunk lid but are supposed to. I copied it and now can't find it. Would you please redo the post as I would like to modify my 40 and the 47 also. thanks
 
I don't know if you are using original trunk supports or repos. If you are using original supports part of your problem is worn pivot pins. Those pins need to be replaced and that may solve your problem.
 
TJ has hit this one on the head.
I have yet to find a pair of original supports that once the pivot points are restored would not hold the lid up.
On the other hand, my experience with repop supports has been about 50- 50. Sometimes they hold, other times the do not.
 
Macs has replacement springs for the support and do tighten up the rivetshttp://macsautoparts.com/early-v8-ford-mercury-trunk-arm-spring-high-quality-replacement-spring-ford-91a-7744236-s/camid/F30/cp/JS0R3CHL1076669/
 
TJ mentioned replacing the worn pivot pins. anything special about these pivot pins? if so, where do we get them?

or do we just make the pins ourselves?

thanks,

fordman
 
Here is a safety catch I made for our 46
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It will not work on coupes because the lid mechanism is different.
Here are the parts to make one. Requires drilling and tapping a 1/4-20 hole in the upper arm.
IMG_0731.jpg


John
 
I have changed the design of Part B since this was first posted. It works better. The bolt is 1/4-28 with 7/16 head size. Use blue Loc-Tite. The long part of Part B (the bent piece of metal is 1 3/8 in.) The short length is 1/2 in. long. This is the driver side support.
 

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19Fordy said:
I have changed the design of Part B since this was first posted. It works better. The bolt is 1/4-28 with 7/16 head size. Use blue Loc-Tite. The long part of Part B (the bent piece of metal is 1 3/8 in.) The short length is 1/2 in. long. This is the driver side support.
Click to expand...


thanks, I will try to incorporate in mine when I do it.
 
TJ said:
I don't know if you are using original trunk supports or repos. If you are using original supports part of your problem is worn pivot pins. Those pins need to be replaced and that may solve your problem.
Click to expand...

Where are the pivot pins? I am also installing Drake's trunk lid supporting arms and now my lid does not match up with the body as it did before using the old ones. The only problem with the old support arms is they didn't hold the trunk up.
 
TJ said:
I don't know if you are using original trunk supports or repos. If you are using original supports part of your problem is worn pivot pins. Those pins need to be replaced and that may solve your problem.
Click to expand...

Where are the pivot pins? I am also installing Drake's trunk lid supporting arms and now my lid does not match up with the body as it did before using the old ones. The only problem with the old support arms is they didn't hold the trunk up.
 
The pivot pins are mid support . They are the hinge for the upper and lower half of the support arms.
 
Here's the latest and final improvement on trunk supports. I made the modifications shown earlier but have since made the "U" shape deeper as shown to produce the 1/2 inch measurement shown. Used a Dremel. The trunk really stays up "solidly" while loading and unloading and requires just a little "pull" downward to close it. It really works great. No more "whacks" on the back of my head.
 

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TJ, I checked my old arms and the hinge pins seem tight. Fordman asked about where we could find new pins. I am wondering about locating these pins also. Thanks TJ.
 
Lorink, You could just buy the correct dia. bolt at hardware store, cut off the shank portion, insert it into the support arm and plug weld it in place. Then cut to final length. Stock pins are probably mild steel.
 
19, are the right in the middle of the spring? I'm thinking about doing your idea of inserting a metal extension on the spring, I think I can do it. Thanks 19 forty.
 
I drilled a hole in both parts of the bracket as they line up.. I don't trust the springs and expect the trunk lid to crash on my neck & head.. this way I feel safe.. if I want to lower the trunk, I must remove the pin.. I store the pin in a magnetic tray I have on the top of the metal toolbox I store in the trunk..

If I need it.. it is right there handy & ready as I go... Although I may consider replacing the hinge pin.. as one of them is very wobbly
 

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I too have resorted to repair mine. After buying several used sets, they are all worn the same way. Pivot pins worn nearly half through and mating bracket is worn from a round hole to egg shape.
I'm going to weld in a plug and redrill the bracket and make my own pivots.
I can always fall back on my broomstick!
 
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