Intalling Hinge Springs

[barno68]

I ordered a new set of hood hinges for a '71 Camaro and they came without the springs installed. Suppose it was easier to ship them this way, but I can not figure out how to get them on. I have tried a screwdriver and a pry bar, but can barely get them to budge. Is there a special tool (like a heavy duty brake spring bar) to put these on? Oh, and I don't want to lose any body part doing it!

[Rick Dorion]

I put one end of my spring in a vise and added pennies between the coils until the spring was long enough to install. Then removed pennies.

[bbnova]

I have used a valve spring compressor for Briggs & Stratton engines.

[Doug G]

I have used a rope.

Reguardless how you do it.... be safe

[barno68]

Hmm, maybe I will hook one end around the vice handle and use a ratchet strap to stretch it. Might be easier to hook it to one of the tie down straps on the trailer and use the winch ! I would still need to find some thing to put between the coils as I won't be able to put the spring on the hinge while it is hooked to whatever is being used to stretch it... well, it makes sense in my mind ;-)

[gearheads78]

I have done it a bunch of ways but the best way is I used a little scrap metal and made a couple of hooks that work along with my shop press. If you don't have one you could use a floor jack, port o power or a bottle jack to do the same thing.

[bbnova]

Hmm.. maybe I should have read this more carefully, was thinking DOOR hinge springs! LOL!

[Mike Holleman]

I ordered a new set of hood hinges for a '71 Camaro and they came without the springs installed. Suppose it was easier to ship them this way, but I can not figure out how to get them on. I have tried a screwdriver and a pry bar, but can barely get them to budge. Is there a special tool (like a heavy duty brake spring bar) to put these on? Oh, and I don't want to lose any body part doing it!

Is there some reason you want to install them prior to the hinge being mounted to the fender? Once on the fender, I use a tool I made from a foot long piece of 1" square tubing and a length of 1/4" all thread with a hook made into the end. Basically a tee bar. With this tool it is an easy one man job. You hook the rear of the spring on the hinge, hook the tool in the other end and while standing in front of the car pull the spring forward and hook it.

[barno68]

Is there some reason you want to install them prior to the hinge being mounted to the fender? Once on the fender, I use a tool I made from a foot long piece of 1" square tubing and a length of 1/4" all thread with a hook made into the end. Basically a tee bar. With this tool it is an easy one man job. You hook the rear of the spring on the hinge, hook the tool in the other end and while standing in front of the car pull the spring forward and hook it.

I am leary to do anything on the car now that it is painted. I can just see the spring slipping off and skipping across the car!

[Mike Holleman]

I am leary to do anything on the car now that it is painted. I can just see the spring slipping off and skipping across the car!

I can appreciate that Brent. I work on freshly painted cars everyday. It is really not that difficult. Always cover the painted areas with fender covers. If you have a helper, they can wear a glove and hold the spring in place while you stretch it on to the hinge. My hook is made from 1/4" threaded rod and I screw a nut on the business end as added insurance that the spring stays on the hook until it is seated on the hinge. If it will help I'll post a picture of the tool to help you see what it is.
Mike

[Rick Dorion]

Would you please, Mike? That tool sounds great.

[Mike Holleman]

Would you please, Mike? That tool sounds great.

It pretty simple but effective. Mainly be sure to install the spring with steady pressure. Not by snatching it into place. Never had one get away from me.