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Topic: replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts (Read 6523 times) previous topic - next topic

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #30 –
Now we're talkin'/I like that.I've been wanting to add struts for a long time.Can you get a closer.more detailed shot or two of where the strut is connected to the hinge and behing the rear seat?Nice work.
'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..

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #31 –
That looks good. Do you have a video of it in action, opening and closing?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #32 –
I can take some video but don't have place to host it.

A single strut is enough to open the lid, with two, you practically have sit on it to close.
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #33 –
Quote from: vinnietbird;244252
Now we're talkin'/I like that.I've been wanting to add struts for a long time.Can you get a closer.more detailed shot or two of where the strut is connected to the hinge and behing the rear seat?Nice work.

 
x2
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #34 –
Quote from: t3skidoo;244309
I can take some video but don't have place to host it.

A single strut is enough to open the lid, with two, you practically have sit on it to close.


Photobucket ;)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #37 –
sweet
5 Mopars, an S-197, and the Turbo Twinkie[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #38 –
I'm going to steal....er...BORROW your idea for the Sport.I promise to give you all the credit.
'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..
 

taking one for the team

Reply #39 –
I hope you appreciate me getting locked in the trunk for this.
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #40 –
i appreciate it a lot,and I'll take pics when I get mine finished.For now,sanding the car is all there is.The Sport should be ready for paint by Wednesday evening.Hopefully the car wil be in the shop before the 12th.
'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..

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #41 –
Quote from: t3skidoo;244503
I hope you appreciate me getting locked in the trunk for this.


Did you install an anti-lock in lever while in there, or is that next?
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
***** Project "EVOLUTION" 1987 Cougar LS  & 1985 Cougar Convertible *****
[/COLOR]
5.0 HO 306 roller block, machined GT-40P heads, Wiseco dished forged pistons, Eagle forged floating I-beam connecting rods, Lunati pushrods, ARP bolts, Scorpion aluminum 1.6 rockers, Comp Cams Magnum 266HR, Explorer intake, 65mm TB, MAF Conversion, 19# injectors, Ford Racing stainless P-headers, 2-1/2" cat-less exhaust w/ Flowtech Afterburner lers , SC AOD with 2800 BDR torque converter, 3.73 T-Lok rear, CHE rear control arms, full 2-1/2" frame w/1" jacking rails & seat supports, Rear disk brakes, Turbine wheels, All original interior w/ floor shift upgrade .......
Pretty much every panel on my 87 is new, rebuilt, or re constructed. :D
Join us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137541156293768&ap=1

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #42 –
One advantage of having a gutted interior is not actually having to get in the trunk to take pics of the inside of the trunk. 

I'll take some in-action video this week and post.

Vinnie, before you start drilling, let me know.  I plan to post a step-by-step eventually but have bigger fish to fry at the moment.
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

replaced trunk torsion bars with gas struts

Reply #43 –
I can wait for the write up,no problem.I'm still finishing the prep work on the Sport for paint.I'm getting a little excited........
'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..

a quick how-to, notes, and videos

Reply #44 –
The struts I used are standard Ford units, so you might be able to source ball studs and even struts from a junkyard.  I found new ones at a camper supply.  After removing the torsion bars, you might need to pry the bar mounts away from the trunk hinge so the struts will clear.  There are some sharp edges in that area, so take precautions (I used a hammer and duct tape).  It might be possible to do this modification without removing any interior parts.  If you have access to the necessary metal working tools, you might consider reinforcing the mounting points. 


1) machine as necessary 2 right angle brackets to accept mounting bolts and ball studs.
2) test fit struts and mark drill points
3) drill as necessary
4) disassemble the struts by removing the retaining clips at each end
5) cut and notch the fender washers so that they slide onto the ends of the strut and will hold safety wires (see pic)
6) fit the ball studs in place, with the strut ends attached
7) compress the struts and lock in a compressed position, approx. 14" total length
8) position the strut into location, moving the trunk lid as necessary
9) once the struts are supporting the trunk lid, remove the retaining wires and washers, then install the retaining clips.

interior
http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w84/t3skidoo/?action=view¤t=MOV00648.flv
exterior
http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w84/t3skidoo/?action=view¤t=MOV00649.flv
http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=17785&stc=1&d=1228281311
__________________
Twin '85 TCs
White/ Grey 2-tone
#1 (left): undergoing top-to-bottom rebuild     
#2 (right): DD, power everything (sorta)
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]