Hood (1960)

[bird 60]

The Hood on my '60 was squeeking when opening, so I sprayed the springs & hinges with WD40. The squeeking has stopped, but the hood just barely stays up. It was simmilar prior to spraying, but I would want it to hold properly & not land on someones head.

Thank you, your advise welcome.

Chris....From The Land Of OZ.

[simplyconnected]

Did you spray in the latching mechanism? Either it isn't being entered all the way, or maybe rust is prohibiting the latch from working full stroke. WD-40 is good for your springs, but you may want a dollop or smather of grease between the spring hooks and the steel links. Cheers! - Dave

[Howard Prout]

The springs that hold the hood open get tired over time and stretch. More paint makes the hood heavier and therefore it takes more force to keep the hood open. I can't remember if there is tension adjuster for those springs or not - one would think there should be. As a last resort you can install new springs, but you may have to have them custom made. There is a pair of hood hinges currently for sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1958-1959-1960-THUNDERBIRD-HOOD-HINGES_W0QQitemZ170410110919QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item27ad3befc7