Hello.
I am currently restoring a 1970 Cutlass convertible and have a question about the trunk torsion springs. I had to remove a trunk hinge because it was loose and worn around one of the factory rivet, so I removed the torsion springs. I fixed it the hinge and reinstalled it and the trunk torsion springs. The problem I am having now is the trunk lid (where it meets the deck lid panel by under the back window) sits about 1/8-1/4 higher than the deck lid panel. I took quite a few pictures and am sure I put the torsion springs back on the same. I am also aware of the spring adjustment and have them on the lowest setting, the same as they were when I removed them. The trunk opens and closes fine but for some reason, the springs seem to be pushing to hard on the hinges causing the deck lid to sit higher then it does when the torsion springs are off. Has anyone had a problem like this before and do you have any suggestions on what could be wrong? If I keep having problems with the torsion springs, I may just convert to strut style setup. Thanks

 

Hi there, I can't help to just get, but I will be glad to when I get to this point hopefully very soon. I am currently stuck installing the torsion rods.
Could you please post any pictures that you have that shows there orientation?
Or email
Chad.hinkley@yahoo.com
Many thanks

 

Try reversing the bars. They could have been swapped in the location where they belong. Without checking the parts book, I can't tell you if they are identical or different. Just taking a stab at the problem.

 

The springs won't change the trunk alignment. They only offload the weight of the lid. The hinges and the latch are what determine alignment. You didn't get something back to the original adjustment, or you moved something when you changed the rivet.

 

Joe is right, there is a lot of adjustment in the hinges.
My issue wasn't so much alignment but more of an issue with the height of the deck lid. Mine was sitting to high and I had to shim it. At first, it didn't make sense to me that I would have to add shims to lower the deck lid but that was the case. Adding shims to the back bolts on the hinges (closest to the rear of the car) will raise the front of the deck lid,(closest to the back window). Thanks for all of the good suggestions.

Hinkley70, I do have pictures and will post them, hopefully that will help.

 

Drivers Side

Drivers Side

Passengers Side

Passengers Side





The spring is laying is the same position it was in before I removed it.

The spring is laying is the same position it was in before I removed it.

 

I will post pictures of the finished product soon.

 

Thank you Kevdz!!!
On to the trunk fitment, I will keep you posted!

 

I was at a cruise in with my 72 supreme earlier this summer and as I was wiping it down I heard a loud pop. The springs broke. It opened and closed fine, just heavy. By the the time to put my camp chair back in the trunk, I wasn't able to, the center of the trunk lid was to low below the rear filler panel. When I got home I slide a bondo spreader from each side toward the middle at the front gap allowing the trunk lid to be pushed up a little. If the car sits in the garage and out of the sun the lid is still a litlle below, but will open. If it sits at a cruise in all day in the sun I cant open it again. I got repelacement springs from Scott Winn at nationals, but havent had time to get them in. I am going to try tonight.

 

Hey there,

This video is pretty good on trunk adjustment.

Thanks again for the pics!


Chad