Well, I have the front clip on and the fenders and door gaps about right (they are never really perfect). I am moving on to the hood. I had to buy another hood because my old hood had too many problems. I have the replacement primed and ready to set on but now I need to address the hood hinges. I have cleaned my old hinges and have them primed. However here is the problem and there is always a problem to address. One of my hinges does not have the spring attached (I have the spring).
So here is where I need some feedback/advice: how do I stretch this big spring about 1.5'' to get it back where it should be. I am sure some of you have done this before. I did a search on the forum but did not find a post that would help.
If I need to attach pics I can do that later.
Looking forward to your feedback.
rsh1966
richard

 

Lots of ways to do this.I use a rope. Hook the spring to the firewall side of the hinge. Then run a strong rope through the circle on other end of the spring. Move back 3 ft or so and pull on both ends of the rope until the spring stretches enough to slide it on the hinge. If the rope hurts your hands or you need a little more leverage, you can tie a broom handle or similar item on the end to make a handle and pull on that.

 

Easiest way I found was to hook the back end of the spring to the hinge and then using a ratcheting tie down strap stretch the spring. You can hook the other end of the tie down to the core support or something else solid. Once you've got it stretched you can pop it into place with either your fingers or even a screwdriver.

 

I've use a fan belt when I've put them back on Mustangs. Hook the rear(the end towards the rear of the truck) on first, then pull hard to stretch the spring out to hook the other end on. If the truck springs are stiffer than Mustangs(seems like they would be given the size and weight of the hood) you might need a helper too. Try to not get the belt trapped on the inside of the spring hood, if you do and the belt is trash you can cut it off.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I did fail to say that my hinges are not installed on the truck. I thought that it would be easier to attach the spring off the truck. Any recommendations for attachment off the truck?
Thanks again and more comments are appreciated.
rsh1966

 

Screw 'em to the bench then attach a ratcheting tie strap to a wall, beam, tree, or wife's car etc.......

 

Temporarily put them back on the truck to put the springs on.

 

Agreed - it's only 3 bolts.

 

 

Take several feet of lightweight chain, hook it on the spring, and pull the spring far enough to hook the spring on the other attachment point on the hinge. If you're careful, you should be able to do this without ending up "trapping" the chain on the wrong side of the attachment point....but to make life easier, you can always use a "quicklink", which will make it a snap to get off

 

Thanks for all the good recommendations. I have successfully re-attached the spring and it was not that difficult. I made it harder than it should have been (see pic using tractor). I did two different ways. One was using the tractor, "come along" , and my vice which was overkill. The second was much easier. I re-attached the hinge to my replacement Cab (out beside the shop) backed my tractor up to it attached the come along and a small chain as was recommended and it was no problem.

Same subject different question: I attached a piece of scrap metal to one of the hinges and bolted it down (see pic) where the hood would bolt on. The spring in the up position measured about 4" then I pulled down on the metal bar to simulate shutting the hoop just to make sure it would work. When I simulated shutting the hood the spring measured 8". I guess I did not realize the spring would be under that much tention when closed. I am I missing something or is the normal.
thanks
rsh1966

 

The force from that stretched out spring when the hood is down is what helps to lift the hood when you open it. Just like stretching out the garage door springs when the door is closed.

 

Exactly. But after a little too much heat(see below) the springs loose their tension and you need a prop rod.