40 Ford Coupe Trunk Lid Won't Stay UP

[panhandle]

Just got a 40 Ford coupe and have had the trunk lid fall on my head twice and that lid is HEAVY. So I purchased the LoKar adjustable multi-level hood & trunk lid prop kit. Naturally it comes with no instructions and I have as yet to determine where or how to install this expensive little gaget. Has anyone used this prop on their car and if so, could you walk me thru the installation or post some pictures how it was done. Thanks guys

[TomT/Williamsburg]

On your original trunk arms - per side, one side has a pin that seats into a slot on the other side. If you look at it, the slot the pin rests in to keep the lid up gets worn. Modify the slot so that it deeper and does not allow the pin to slide out of the slot. Do this on both sides and you might have to do this more than once or twice. Test it without your head becoming involved .....

[panhandle]

Yes, I understand that the stock arms are probably getting worn out. New arm replacement is pretty high and I thought the Lokar route would be cheaper and be more positive than the spring arms. My problem is where and how to attach it so it looks like it belongs there.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by panhandle

Just got a 40 Ford coupe and have had the trunk lid fall on my head twice and that lid is HEAVY. So I purchased the LoKar adjustable multi-level hood & trunk lid prop kit. Naturally it comes with no instructions and I have as yet to determine where or how to install this expensive little gaget. Has anyone used this prop on their car and if so, could you walk me thru the installation or post some pictures how it was done. Thanks guys

Send that thing back for a refund. Contact BOB DRAKE for a pair of NEW trunk support / spring assemblies. They bolt-in to replace the originals...no instructions necessary! Click the link below! DD

https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.as...9-1ada6f0837db

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by panhandle

Yes, I understand that the stock arms are probably getting worn out. New arm replacement is pretty high and I thought the Lokar route would be cheaper and be more positive than the spring arms. My problem is where and how to attach it so it looks like it belongs there.

Be aware that some of those things are so stiff that you could chance bending your trunk lid at the attach point. DD

[PeterC]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

[QUOTE=V8COOPMAN;1394757]Send that thing back for a refund. Contact BOB DRAKE for a pair of NEW trunk support / spring assemblies. They bolt-in to replace the originals...no instructions necessary! Click the link below! DD

-----------
I agree with V8Coopman - I recently got a pair of Drake Trunk Arms for my 39 Coupe and the look and operate as original - very pleased with these units!

[glennpm]

Bob Drake's trunk supports work great on my 40 convert.

[TJ]

The Lokar units with the gas shocks have the potential to eventually bend the decklid in the middle. I would avoid them if possible.

[funrunr]

A few years ago this same conversation came up. I believe it was Kube who made a suggestion that he admitted was incorrect yet effective. Drill a 1/8" hole through the arm when it is in the up position. Once you open it place a pop rivet in there to hold it up. Remove when you want to close of course. I have a new set of hinges from Carpenter and they don't hold the lid open. I had to use this trick. Good luck and be sure to slowly open and close while watching where to drill hole.

[flatjack9]

I got a set of Drakes arms for my 39 and they wouldn't keep the lid up. Contacted them and was told I need to file the slot deeper. Kind of pissed me off that they weren't properly made and I had to modify them myself after paying good money for a product that wouldn't do what it was supposed to.

[Graeme / New Zealand]

someone on the barn years ago had some sort of slider or collar that when moved down one arm once the lid was raised kept it from bonking you on the head. I thought this was pretty nifty at the time...wish I had kept the page as I hate the stick I carry around above the spare.

GB

[tub1]

get yourself a broom handle and cut to suit works on lots of cars

[turnpikecrusier]

I use a broom handle.

[GOW]

I used a hood holder upper from a modern car worked great......but it's hard to beat the old broom handle

[KGS]

Originally Posted by panhandle

Just got a 40 Ford coupe and have had the trunk lid fall on my head twice and that lid is HEAVY. So I purchased the LoKar adjustable multi-level hood & trunk lid prop kit. Naturally it comes with no instructions and I have as yet to determine where or how to install this expensive little gaget. Has anyone used this prop on their car and if so, could you walk me thru the installation or post some pictures how it was done. Thanks guys

If you aren't concerned about judging or loosing points, try this fix. Pry the end of each of the coil springs away from it's stop.
Insert a 3/4" square nut with a 5/16" thickness or equivalent
between the stop and the end of the spring.
Secure the nut with a wire tie or what have you.
This will tighten the springs and increase the spring tension
to hold the trunk lid open without the aid of a broomstick.
All credit to Dick Miller from California who described
this fix in the EFV8 Magazine (Mar/April 2002). He included
a diagram which I am unable to do.
Ken

[Karl Wescott]

Does the deck lid have a lot of lead body filler? If so it could become too heavy for the hinge and prop system, and increase the risk that any system that will hold it up could bend it.

[19Fordy]

Take a look here.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...trunk+supports

[ricklove]

Originally Posted by V8COOPMAN

Send that thing back for a refund. Contact BOB DRAKE for a pair of NEW trunk support / spring assemblies. They bolt-in to replace the originals...no instructions necessary! Click the link below! DD

https://www.bobdrake.com/FordItem.as...9-1ada6f0837db

I (easily) replaced the springs on my '48 tudor sedan with no problems, and they work great!

[Tim Armstrong]

I used Drakes, they say they are improved...............not a single knot on my head, and its been alot of years.

[Mark Slight]

Do what KGS suggested it works, I did the modification to my 1938 Ford coupe it works!

Mark