Trunk hinge displeasure

[GregW]

Hi all,
So I've been working on getting the new parts welded into my trunk area and all the panels to fit nicely. I have to open and close the trunk lid frequently and that seems to distort the shroud where the hinge bolts to it. I think this is a pretty crappy design, so I've been thinking. I made some braces that will weld to the rear bulkhead under where the bolt hole in the shroud is. It would be attached along the back and bottom to strengthen the bulkhead where it doglegs. Has anyone else addressed this issue, what was your solution? I've also been toying with the idea of using those trunk struts. One on either side to keep the lid from tweaking.

 

[tiga2]

..I made some "large" oak rectanglar washers that fit between the chanels, been OK so far.

 

[red57]

Hi Greg,

I've never had any problem with the shroud flexing where the trunk hinges bolt to it.

I'm guessing you already checked but I'm wondering if someone installed the hinges on the wrong side? They are "handed" to accomodate the curvature of the body and I once started to assemble mine with the right hinge on the left side & the left hinge on the right side and they did try to distort the shroud (and the trunk lid) due to the hinge pins not being in alignment. Once I fugured out the difference and put them on the correct sides, they work fine and put no side loads on the shroud or hinge.

There are also supposed to be steel re-inforcing strips under the shroud at that point - are they missing?

I like your solution, I'm just not sure it's necessary if everything else is right.

Dave Phillips

 

[Randy Forbes]

OT, but what picture editor are you using to put things like C-clamps (and your hinge brkts) onto the image? I like it.

I guess this needs to be asked too: are you some kind of graphics illustrator; because I am not...

 

[Cottontop]

My hinges and hinge mounting areas were just fine, but I did add bracing to the trunk when I added gas struts to keep the trunk lid open.

I made bracings for both sides from 1"x1" angle then bolted them to the existing internal braces.

The strut was bolted between the phillips head at the bottom of the angle brace and the new bracket down by the tail light.

One gas strut failed and I moved the other one to help keep the hood open in strong winds.

I also added bracing to the hood so that when closing the hood, it didn't fold from the pressure of the gas struts.

If interested in the details, lemmieno.

Tim

 

[healeynut]

Greg -

There shouldn't be any flexing on the shroud when you open or close the trunk.

I suspect your hinges are installed vice versa - the hinges are handed and if you have them in wrong side around it will cause your shroud to flex when you open and close the boot.

Try swapping the hinges and see if that fixes your problem.

 

[GregW]

I'm guessing you already checked but I'm wondering if someone installed the hinges on the wrong side? They are "handed" to accomodate the curvature of the body

Hi Dave,
That "someone" would have been me. :laugh: I did check and they are on the correct sides.

There are also supposed to be steel re-inforcing strips under the shroud at that point - are they missing?

I know the hinge parts you are referring to, items #110 & #111 HERE . My BJ8 didn't have them when I disassembled the car and looking at the Moss plate, it doesn't look like the BJ8 had those to begin with. Thanks.

 

[GregW]

OT, but what picture editor are you using to put things like C-clamps (and your hinge brkts) onto the image? I like it.

I guess this needs to be asked too: are you some kind of graphics illustrator; because I am not...

Hey Randy,
I used Adobe Illustrator to make the clamp and the bracket, then drug them over to Photoshop. I don't really do graphics for a living though I need to keep sharp with those programs if the need arises at work. I had to make some FBI IDs not too long ago.

 

[GregW]

Hi Tim,
So you're talking about something like this? Hmmmm, I had been thinking about building a bracket that would tuck under the shroud about 3" rear of the hinges. Then hook the strut to the trunk lid where it starts it's sharp curve downward. I haven't taken any measurements yet, so it is all theory right now. Did you try it that way and found issues? Thanks.

 

[GregW]

Greg -

There shouldn't be any flexing on the shroud when you open or close the trunk.

Hi Alan,
The shroud isn't really flexing, whats happening is the hinge bolt and washer are stretching the aluminum upward. This makes the hinge sit higher than the trunk lid. So the trunk lid lip is now proud of the shroud when shut.

 

[Cottontop]

So you're talking about something like this?

Hi Greg,

Yep, almost exactly like that. No... I didn't try another ways.

I got a deal ($5@) on 4 gas struts from an auto parts store that was closing. I put one of them on the hood first and found that the hood nearly folded forward of the hinge mount. I reinforced the hood using the same 1x1 angle. That worked fine.

I needed a second strut on the hood as it kept slamming shut during windy shows.

I then reinforced the trunk lid as you see it and put two struts on it. One on each side. The struts were really too big for the trunk and it took quite a bit of push to close it. "Someday" I'll buy new struts better suited to the application.

I had a hood strut fail by losing its gas charge so I took one of the trunk struts for the hood. That caused the open trunk lid to slope at an ugly angle so I took off the second strut rather than try to find another one. I don't miss the struts on the trunk as I am rarely in there. I do NOT open it for shows.

Let me know if you want the details (length,angles,etc.) of my hood or trunk bracing.

Tim

 

[GregW]

Hi Tim,
Thanks for the offer. I'm going to explore what's available locally and see what I come up with. I did see a couple at JC Whitney that gave dimensions and force. It would be nice to find a set that were adjustable for force. Maybe a screen door strut with those adjustable springs. :wink:

 

[Randy Forbes]

OT, but what picture editor are you using to put things like C-clamps (and your hinge brkts) onto the image? I like it.

I guess this needs to be asked too: are you some kind of graphics illustrator; because I am not...

Hey Randy,
I used Adobe Illustrator to make the clamp and the bracket, then drug them over to Photoshop. I don't really do graphics for a living though I need to keep sharp with those programs if the need arises at work. I had to make some FBI IDs not too long ago.

Thanks, but just as I feared, a little beyond my learning curve/patience level :wink:

I have only mastered the resizing feature of Photoshop (I can only make exposures and contrast levels worse, not better) and I use MSPaint to handle any editing (text, lines, circles, etc.).

Thanks though!

 

[Cottontop]

I'm going to explore what's available locally.... It would be nice to find a set that were adjustable for force.

Greg,

Most auto parts stores have them as replacements for those on hatchbacks and those that hold up rear compartment covers for SUVs and pickemups.

They are usually in the $20-$30 range.

Never seen any that where adjustable. Lemmieno if you find any.

Tim

 

[GregW]

Hi Tim,
I haven't found adjustable trunk shocks. I did find a place that has a huge selection though. I bought a couple with 10lbs of force in a 14" extended length. I'll need to fab up some brackets and go from there. The place I got 'em was Auto Parts By Lou I'll let you know how it goes. That may be after the holidays.

 

[Cottontop]

Hey Greg,

I don't have a clue what the force ratings of my gas struts are, but they measure 16" hole to hole. They are perfect for both the hood and the trunk.

If'n you'd like to copy my trunk struts, I'd be glad to send you a sketch with lengths and angles.


We're gonna be in Laguna Beach for a couple of weeks in late Jan./early Feb. Any chance of getting together, having a beverage, and me seeing your car ?

Tim

 

[GregW]

Hey Tim,
I went with the shorter struts 'cause I'm going to explore a different angle. I'll see how it goes. Getting together would be fun, seeing the car might be a let down for you. It is a mess right now. John Loftus lives in Laguna Beach, and there is another Healey owner there who I don't think I've met. I only know of him when British Car Specialists sent me his order by mistake. It may be hard for me to plan getting down there, my schedule changes daily, but let me know as the date gets closer.

 

[Cottontop]

Hi Greg,

There are 2-3 Healey owners in Newport & Laguna.

I visited John Loftus about a year ago. He is doing an amazing job of restoring his Healey.

I also know of 3-4 V8 Modified Healey owners between Newport and Carlsbad. I usually stop and see a couple of them when I'm out there.

Let me know how your trunk struts work out.

We'll either be in the RV pulling the Miata or in Sherry's Jag sedan, so I can come to you rather than you coming to Laguna.

We'll chat about a visit as the time gets closer.

Tim