How to Install Hood Springs on a Camaro
Car hood springs assist drivers by attaching to the hood of the engine compartment, aiding in lifting and holding the hood in place while engine repairs or maintenance are performed. Some Chevy Camaros came stock with hood springs. However, over time the springs have either worn out or were not included on an enthusiasts car. As the number of collector's for this vintage car style continue to grow, aftermarket manufacturer's are supplying increasing numbers of aftermarket parts for it. One aftermarket part that many enthusiasts are looking for is the hood spring and rather than have the hood springs installed by a car shop, home mechanics are opting to install the parts themselves.
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Instructions
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1
Pop the hood release on the Camaro and lift the hood. Presumably, there will be a metal prop rod in the engine compartment that you can use to prop the hood up while you work on it. If not, you can fashion one out of an old broomstick or have a helper hold it for you. Locate the hood hinge mounting brackets on the rearward part of the hood.
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2
Using the appropriate-sized ratchet, loosen and remove the bolts from only one of the mounting brackets on the hood. Removing and replacing only one hinge at a time will allow you to keep the hood mounted and aligned on the car during the process and will greatly speed the turn around time on this project. Remove the bolts holding the hinge to the car frame on the inside of the engine compartment as well.
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3
Find the appropriate hinge spring for the side of the car you are working on (ie right or left) and use the manufacturer provided hardware to mount the spring to the car frame in place of the old hinge. Make sure to mount the hinge in its upright position, not its closed position, to make it easier to mount the hood onto the spring.
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4
Again, using the provided hardware, attach the hood spring to the mounting bracket of the Camaro's hood. Repeat steps 1-3 for the other side and remove the prop rod from the interior of the engine compartment by removing its mounting bolts.
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Tips & Warnings
As there were some Camaros that came with this feature, you might have good luck checking junkyards or scrapyards for wrecked or totaled Camaros with hood springs to be had for low prices.
Be sure to mount the springs on the appropriate side of the car as mounting them upside down or on the wrong side could cause damage to your hood and other body panels.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:1968ChevroletCamaroZ28.png
