[hitest1024]

Hi All- I have a 1968 Deville convertible that I've come a long way with... The next problem up is that the trunk won't stay open without being propped- one of the two 'springs' (rods that run horizontally across the trunk) is broken. Does anyone know how hard it is to swap them out? I've done a lot of the heavy work on this myself, but I don't want to snap a huge spring into my eye or something.

Thanks for any help.

 

[77CDV]

Replacing the torsion bars is a major bitch. Ask me how I know. It can be done, and the good news is that the bars from the standard cars are interchageable from 1965 through 1970. Getting them out is fairly easy (though dangerous). Getting them in will require ingenuity and great strength, as they are under enormous tension. I highly recommend getting a buddy to help. IIRC, there are three notches for the torsion bar. The top notch will make the trunk lid open really easily but harder to close, the bottom notch is just the opposite, and the middle one is sort of a compromise.

Good luck!