Topic: need advice onadjusting my trunk lid

[joe747]

i have a 70 mach 1 and would like any tips on adjust my trunk lid ,can it be adjusted left to right also

[cobrajetchris]

The decklid has for & aft. adjustment along with height adjustment. Assuming there is no accident damage the decklids can be made to fit pretty good. I would need to know a little more details to help you, Is the decklid a original FORD part or aftermarket? Is the decklid on the car now?, is the decklid off but the hinges still on the body? or is the decklid and hinges removed?.  You mentioned side to side adjustment and there is no side to side adjustment, however if your decklid margins or wide but even on one side and tight on the other side the hinges can be shifted over. With the lid open have a helper (as this makes it easier) and both of you shift the decklid over to the side that is widest. This would be AFTER all your other gaps are good (height and for/aft). If the gaps taper, look at the gap between the upper rear panel and if that is not even, adjust the hinge bolts at the decklid to get that fitting first as that is kind of your base line. Some 69 & 70 model fastback decklids tend to be sticking out past the qtr. extension on one side ( I have seen this on several original cars). You also must consider the corner extensions as they play a roll on the fit as well. I could go on all day with different scenarios, but with a little more info. I should be able to help you out.

[joe747]

well i think i might have all these things to do .what should i start to adjust frist

[cobrajetchris]

I would start by installing the hinges to the body and if the original paint is still on the hinges there should be outlines of where the bolts were originally and even if there is no paint on them there should be some bolt marks on the hinges to see were it was mounted. run down the bolts snug but not tight as you will probably need to make little adjustments. Then I would install the lid and see see how it's fitting. There is a lot of up and down and for & aft movement on the hinge at the decklid. I would first try to even up the rear gap at the upper back panel (under rear glass), with that evened up check your height of the lid, this adjustment can be done by loosening ONE of the hinge bolts on the side it is high or low. If its high in back at the upper back panel area, loosen the hinge bolt closest to the back and vise verse. Also remove the decklid latch when fitting up the lid as this can throw the lid from one side to the other, after you get everything fitting then install the latch and adjust that so lid closes nice and you have a good seal around the w/strip. I would not get in any hurry as I have spent a entire evening messing with a panel fit. I hope you have a FORD decklid because that will make it much easier to get a nice fit. Another thing to keep in mind these cars don't have the tight tolerances as the new vehicles, however with some time and effort they can be made to fit up pretty nice. Good luck!

[joe747]

thanks for the info .did everything you said , fits pretty good except i have a wider gap on the pass. than the driver .what can i do

[thefordshow]

You can adjust the trunk lid latch side to side[the part on the lid]. Move the latch in the opposite direction you want the trunk lid to move. As you close the lid the catch with pull the trunk lid over.

[cobrajetchris]

If your gaps are just wide on one side and no taper to them, I would open the lid and shift the decklid over, It will take a little force and you made need a helper but it works. Make sure all your bolts are tight at this point.   CHRIS

[joe747]

do you mean .try to push the trunk lide over to the pass. side so the hinges kind bend more that way

[cobrajetchris]

do you mean .try to push the trunk lid over to the pass. side so the hinges kind bend more that way

yes, what you are doing is springing the hinges a little to move the lid over the way you want it to go. Take the palm of your hands at the side edge of the lid in the open position and shove it over, it may take a few times but it works well. 

[joe747]

ok will give it a shot and let you know