1956 Hood won’t stay open after replacing hinges

[fcurto]

Hello, I replaced both hood hinges of my 56 bird and now the hood will not stay open on its own. Anyone run into this issue before or know how to fix it? Thank you

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[Tom Alpers]

Hello, I replaced both hood hinges of my 56 bird and now the hood will not stay open on its own. Anyone run into this issue before or know how to fix it? Thank you

Did you install the coiled hood hinge springs?

 

[fcurto]

Yes I did. They came from Larry’s Tbird.

 

[Tom Alpers]

Are you sure they are on right? They are no where near strong enough to lift the hood, they are barely enough to keep it open when it is fully open. What exactly do you mean it will not stay open?

 

[fcurto]

When you open the hood and leave it up, it falls down

 

[Tom Alpers]

When I got my car one of the coil spring anchors was broken so the hood was held open only the the spring on the other side. Needless to say, it barely stayed up but it did stay. If yours won't stay up with both hinges and springs installed I'd have to think the springs are not installed correctly.

 

[tridentloop]

Fcurto, I am guessing you resolved this. But i am messing with hood hinges right now. In reading this i feel like you didn't preload your hinges with the required 1/2 turn. Each side should have 6 coils and look like this. Here is a great youtube short showing how to do the preload. Preload youtube video I am stuck on how to hold the spring in once i replace it. It was pressed with a press but i don't have a way to do that.

 

[tridentloop]

So i got it! I inserted an old utility chisel under the hinge so it supported the the grooved hinge holder from the bottom. i spanned the chisel in my vise so i could hit it hard with a cold punch and sledge from the top. It is not perfect but it ain't goin' anywhere