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Topic: Trunk lid tension rods (Read 10940 times) previous topic - next topic

Trunk lid tension rods

Hi,
Does anybody have a procedure for reinstalling the tension rods that hold the trunk open?  My new cat came with a broom handle to keep the lid up.  I was able to get the rods reinserted in the hinge receivers, but lid still won't stay up.  Any pics would help, too. 
Thanks,
Dave

Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #1
You have to make the tool, it was posted here try using the search to find it.  It's basically a small length of pipe with holes and length of rope or wire... I used 6 gauge wire

Be careful I almost lost my fingers messing with those freaking things
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]



Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #3
For the trouble, i'd just throw some shocks at it.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #4
Yeah those things are wicked. All i did was lay in my trunk, ad force that thing in! Praying the entire time lol    Those things have alot of tension. When the tension side that holds the hood open snapped, it shut my trunk so hard, i thought someone shot off a 12 guage. Now my trunk lid body lines are actually crooked.
1986 Ford Thunderbird
!!COMPLETED!! 427 ci ROUSH engine swap<<!NEW! Fed by a Holley Terminator EFI setup/ custom COP setup ignition
 8.8 rear. with 4:10 gears, Eaton Trutrac diff, 31 spline axles and external breather system. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, and powder coated.
Holley Terminator EFI with custom made CNP ignition system

"Its kind of like driving the red headed step child of the mustangs" :hick:


Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #6
I used a 12" long 1" diameter wooden dowel with a notch in it to pop the bar on the passenger side of mine back in the slot. Worked great and I still have all my fingers.
88 Thunderbird LX: 306, Edelbrock Performer heads, Comp 266HR cam, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, bunch of other stuff.


Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #8
x2 for the 10mm socket/extension. done it many many times on all different kinds of cars.
Currently Birdless but never Foxless

86 Mustang GT

Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #9
after getting my fingers stuck in between the rod and the notch I use a small piece of pipe or the socket trick.  I still have all my fingers by the way ;)


Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #11
I'm going with struts when I get my Sport back. With the additional weight of the modified trunk lid, I think it'll help.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #12
Quote from: jcassity;424003
wonder what happended to master blaster anyway?


still kicking around. been on here just a couple weeks ago.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #13
I know this thread is fairly old, but I'm curious as to how to fasten struts to the trunk? Where do you drill the holes to mount them?
Thanks
Cornfed85

1985 Thunderbird - 3.8 V6, C5  :ford:  :birdsmily:

Trunk lid tension rods

Reply #14
Send a PM to vinnietbird, he did it to his Sport. :)
'84 Mustang
'98 Explorer 5.0
'03 Focus, dropped a valve seat. yay. freakin' split port engines...
'06 Explorer EB 4.6