Trunk Torsion Bars

['64 Dart]

Good Day All
Have a '67 Dart convertible that apparently has lost the torsion in the trunk bars. I've relocated the bars to apply the most torque, but to no avail.
So, can anybody supply some knowledge as to what years/body styles will work?
Thanks to all who respond.
R Gabel

 

[Dana67Dart]

It's not the bars it's the sheet metal that supports the bars.

Common problem in 67-69 converts

This sheet metal part is unique to 67-69 darts. 67-69 barracudas the sheet metal is different, not interchangable with darts.

Also the Dart Convert Tortion bars are unique to 67-69 dart concert, I have not found another application that will work.


The red squiggles is where the metal fatigues or is eroded away.

A welder can recreate it in place if need be with nothing in the trunk and the top up and the well liner out.

Be sure to protect everything from slag and sparks.

I removed the trunk lid and hinges to have mine repaired.

I would not remove the hinge support that is damaged to repair unless you are going to replace them.

Finding a suitable donor will be the hard part.

The alternative is some people have used gas charged struts and made their own mounts, there's a couple posts about it.

There's also a post or two from me with more photos. I'll keep looking and update once I find them

Left and right sides

 

['64 Dart]

Good Evening
Thanks for the response and the photos. This is my first convert and my first 67-69 body style.
Have not stuck my head up to see what shape any of this is in. That will be tomorrow's project after church.
Thanks again
Merry Christmas
R Gabel

 

[Dana67Dart]

Take photos and post what you see.


I made the mistake of thinking my tortion bars were fatigued and put them in a vice and with some extra leverage twisted them a few degrees more.

BIG mistake, took the temper out of the spring and while they still work they are weak in the tightest position.

They will hold the lid up on a flat surface but on a inclined driveway not so much

 

['64 Dart]

Will do
Probable be this PM after I get home from church.

 

['64 Dart]

Took some pics.
Thoughts?

 

[Dana67Dart]

You need more light and better focus.

I can't tell if the springs are sitting in the correct places or the metal is cracked etc.


You have these on the hinge end of your springs, correct.

 

['64 Dart]

Yes, The Nylon blocks are present.
Pics: Note #8 and #14 does show some repair of the sheet metal was attempted at some point.