Spring trunk prop or gas strut?

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Greasyfingers

Greasyfingers

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Which of the these two options put the least amount of strain on the hinges on an early barracuda (66 to be exact)?
My driver's side hinge is a bit worn. As hard as it is to find good hinges I'm trying to preserve it as long as I can. I know the spring is constantly pushing on the the lid. Do the gas struts do the same? I know on some vehicles it kind of cams over and pulls down instead of push up.
 
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On my 66’ b-cuda I have no rod at all.
I bought an expandable hood prop rod by Lisle from the auto parts store. I have all the correct spring loaded units. If I need to keep the trunk open I just use that. Rarely do I need or open the trunk.
 
Don’t know about differences in the amount of strain, but rebuild or get replacement hinge. It should be good for another 50yrs
 
Honestly- no much strain. The side that has the “up” pressure is the latch mechanism- I’ve never seen those worn out. But “why” the hinges wear out? No idea. Maybe rain and snow water on an 3/16” pin for 50 + years? Not sure.
 
The fact that the trunk lid weighs so much hasn't helped the hinges any. Can't believe that thing probably weighs a much as the hood and it's over double the size.

I removed the prop today and the lid sits flat now. With the spring prop the left front corner is higher than the quarter panel. Maybe I'll just pick up one of those manual props for now and look for some rebuildable hinges.

I've never had a spare set of hinges to look at off the car. Is it just the pin that wears? Is there enough metal to maybe go to a bigger pin?
 
Greasyfingers said:
The fact that the trunk lid weighs so much hasn't helped the hinges any. Can't believe that thing probably weighs a much as the hood and it's over double the size.

I removed the prop today and the lid sits flat now. With the spring prop the left front corner is higher than the quarter panel. Maybe I'll just pick up one of those manual props for now and look for some rebuildable hinges.

I've never had a spare set of hinges to look at off the car. Is it just the pin that wears? Is there enough metal to maybe go to a bigger pin?
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Typically on the 7 or 8 cars I’ve purchased here in New England; the pin freezes and has to be drilled out. A lot of guys drill them and use a bolt and weld it in place. Not sure if that helps you at all except I’ve not had one I did not bend trying to punch the pin out even if I cut thru the pin with a very thin cut off wheel.
 
I have several sets of early Barracuda hinges and have tried to repair one that was very worn. I know others on this list have repaired them successfully, but I have not. I've given up on trying to get the pin out, it will not drive out, and I failed at drilling it out as well. Having one good original and found one good replacement, I am of the opinion that the hinges came from the factory with the pin fitting tightly as do both of my good, original hinges. That is, the pin offers resistance to the up and down movement of the lid by design, and as they wear they get loose, the pin is not designed to act like a conventional door hinge that moves with little resistance. I'm not saying that a successful repair cannot be done on these hinges, but it is difficult, and the tolerances are critical to get it right.
 
I have repaired these hinges in the past with a new pin. I have done them for members here for 50 dollars with you paying shipping both ways. As long as you have not played with them like trying to drill the pin or anything I am able to do it without trouble. The pin I use is just a bit larger than stock.
 
How in the world do you get the old pin(s) out? Secret method? Put them in a press? Drill?
 
Bob Jasinski said:
How in the world do you get the old pin(s) out? Secret method? Put them in a press? Drill?
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A secret method I discovered. I did rebuild one that someone drilled on first and it was more difficult because they went off center and that is why I say if I rebuild them I prefer they not be played with first.
 
I have an untouched pair I'd like to send to you to get repaired, I'll send a direct message.
 
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