Topic: Trunk torsion rod adjustment

[Chris]

I'm looking for some help on how to adjust the torsion rod for my trunk. I've searched the site already for this topic and the other examples are not the same style as mine. This is for a 64 1/2 trunk lid, convertible if that matters any.

My trunk lid is not staying up and I want to make the tension tighter. There are two rods that cross each across the trunk span. Two pics of either side where the rods connect are below. Is increasing the tension as simple as moving the rear rod back to a different cut out/cog position?

[trucktricksdon]

I have a 66 convertible and I made this tool. It worked great. Looks like you have the same setup. Mine wouldn't stay up so I just moved one of the torsion rods to another slot. If I remember correctly, I just had to adjust one side. They are under a lot of pressure and the tool will help you keep all of your fingers when you try to adjust it.

[NEFaurora]

I wrote a recent thread earlier this year back in April 2013 on this exact subject....been there done that.  You don't need to buy the tool... Just see the link to this previous thread below:

http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=6179.msg35579;topicseen#msg35579

I am also re-running the thread here as well...

Old thread:


Wow..This guy makes it look easy... I am going to try this route before buying the tool from WCCC... He's got a '65 Falcon, but the bar arrangement is the same..  One thing that he could invest in is a new camera, but it's good enough to get the idea.  Watch it twice... As simple as it is, This is the best thing that I have seen yet on this subject by far.

I will try this method today and report back.. It looks pretty good!

Watch video:




PS: Kudos to this kid....Wherever he is...

Tony K.


Status Report:


It worked!!!

Forget buying the tool, Just follow this kid's method above....It worked like a charm after a few tries. Just be careful, The bars are under a good amount of tension.  A few things that I can tell you when installing these rods, On the coupe, They are easier to install because there is much more room to work with in the trunk.  I recommend taking out the back seat on the coupe for more room.   On the convertible, You have a lot less room to work with because of the rear pump area and well liner getting in the way (And believe me, It does get in the way), so you have to move the welliner rod as forward as you can go frontward (Disconnect the well liner rod springs on each side, You must do this.), then as the kid's video above, Follow the video, Just reverse for the opposite side. Use a medium size flathead screwdriver.  Too long a screwdriver, and it worn't work, Too short a screwdriver, and you won't be able to get enough tension, and could injure yourself.  Just go slow....and when you get to the appropriate notch, Just bump it upwards to lock it as in the kid's video above.  That's it!    For the tension settings on both sides of the trunk, With the three lower notches, The notch most forward is the lightest tension setting, and the notch that is closest to the back of the trunk is Heaviest tension setting.  That's all folks!

PS: On the fastback, I have no idea how it would go..It would probably be similar to the convertible..but that's just a guess.


Happy Trunking!


Tony K.



No problem...

The rods got installed, and in the end, I was able to help everybody!


PPS: In case anyone was wondering, WCCC is West Coast Classic Cougars.  They sell the tool if you're really gung-ho on buying it, but its not necessary if you follow the info above.

[jwc66k]

I mentioned this technique to a local Mustang shop owner and, at the open trunk of a convenient 65 Hardtop, he popped the torsion bar off and back on in less time than it took to write this.
Jim

[March6]

I followed the video on installing these rods but the trunk lid will not stay up. I have the rods in the last slots towards the rear of car. Any suggestions ? Mike

[Chris]

Of the three slots for holding the rod (as shown in my pictures I posted), the slot closest to the trunk opening is the one that provides the greatest tension on the rod for holding open the trunk lid. The middle slot and forward slot (toward front of car) provide less tension. My lid was not staying up very well with the rod adjusted to the max tension because I have the trunk lid luggage carrier accessory, and that extra weight is enough to cause the lid to close easily.

[NEFaurora]

Just to Add to this thread....

I've found that the best settings (in my opinion) for the best tension are to have the Driver's side Torsion Bar setting in the middle slot, and the Passenger side Torsion Bar in the First Slot (Most forward slot, or most leftmost slot if you are facing it and directly looking at it.  I have noticed the majority of '65-'66 mustangs that I have looked at have these exact settings.

)

Tony K.