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03-17-2014, 09:28 AM | #1 |
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Location: Stratham, NH
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Trunk won't stay open
The trunk on my 1947 Ford convertible wont stay open on its own. Is that just a hinge adjustment of some kind?
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03-17-2014, 09:31 AM | #2 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Typically it is worn out support arms. While the springs usually remain strong enough to "do the job", wear at the pivot points allows the geometry to change enough to keep the arms working as they should.
I am not certain new arms are reproduced for your car. Still, it's fairly easy to rebuild yours. Once disassembled, I am 99% certain you will find the pivot hole(s) worn out. You'll need to weld them closed and re-drill to the proper size. Install new rivets and you're all done!
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03-17-2014, 11:14 AM | #3 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
I fixed my 46 Merc. Altering the stop allowing the support arm to stop straighter,thus better supporting the trunk(took about 15 min.to fix)The same fix works on hoods.Phil
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03-17-2014, 11:15 AM | #4 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
I bought a replacement set (made by Bob Drake) for my 46 Coupe 4 years ago from Joe's Antique Auto; to-date, they are holding strong. His on-line catalog has them listed for $140 a pair. Steve
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03-17-2014, 12:46 PM | #5 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
The trunk on our 46 stays open but it doesn't take much effort to pull the hinge back "off center" to allow it to close. So, as a safety precaution I used a short length of channel iron, milled a slot so it could slide up to allow the joint to close. And drilled and tapped the upper hinge bar. The channel is free to slide so when you open the trunk it slides down by itself and locks the hinge. To close the trunk just right hand on trunk and slide the channel up with your left. Works great. By the way, I am not smart enough to design this. Copied the design years ago from on the Fordbarn.
John |
03-17-2014, 06:06 PM | #6 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
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03-17-2014, 06:28 PM | #7 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Another even simpler (and less noticeable) method is to drill an 1/8" hole through both the top and bottom arm on one side (where they intersect). Slip a 1/8" machine screw or rivet in the hole and the lid can't be let down. Paint it black and no one will notice.
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03-17-2014, 08:29 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Quote:
John |
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03-18-2014, 05:19 AM | #9 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Either of the two are great solutions, however I do think Kube's trick would be the easiest and most inconspicuous. Thanks guys
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03-18-2014, 07:50 AM | #10 | |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Quote:
Repairing those arms is in fact fairly easy.
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03-18-2014, 10:06 AM | #11 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Great tip, as an extension of Kubes idea if you do not care about the safety being seen instead of a rivet or screw consider a locking pin with a ring... Attaching a ribbon to the ring could prevent damage when if you forgot the prop arm was locked.
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03-18-2014, 10:07 AM | #12 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
In my situation where alignment is the culprit I appreciate the bandaid vs the refitment issue, this solution fits my needs. Thanks for the suggestion. Even if I was to solve my problem correctly, I will never trust the hinges completely with my head in the trunk without some type of safety support again.
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Thank God this is only a hobby! Last edited by funrunr; 03-18-2014 at 10:12 AM. |
05-02-2014, 09:56 PM | #13 |
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Re: Trunk won't stay open
Don't mean to hijack the thread, but I have the same problem with my '48 coupe. The stays are badly worn and I think they are both bent from having the hole worn so much. I made a little lock like the one oldford2 showed. It does work great, but would someone be so kind to post a picture of the stays from the rear and side so I can see what the detent looks like and discover if I need to bend the ones I have back straight? I want to rebuild them but don't know what the features look like.
Thanks, Alex
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