Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-21-23 12:33 PM - Post#2853586
my 63 impala trunk quit staying up on its own years ago after getting new trunk hinges installed . it has torsion bars . I've taken them out ( not a fun task) and tried figuring it out but no luck . just annoying having to prop it open with my jack handle. any ideas guys ?
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 Magnetocheck
Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 88
Age: 68
Loc: Charlotte, NC
Reg: 09-05-22
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01-21-23 01:11 PM - Post#2853587
In response to Adam63impala
I couldn't tell from your post. Did you put the torsion bars back in? If so, the steel must have lost some temper which would be weird...
Bob
'65 Impala SS 396 Convertible |
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 pvs409
"11th Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 3529
Loc: Sergeant Bluff, Iowa
Reg: 01-10-05
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01-21-23 04:02 PM - Post#2853592
In response to Adam63impala
The torsion bars cross each other. Do you need pictures?
I used a bumper jack handle to reinstall mine.
57 BelairHT 283/270hp 4 spd
62 ImpHT 327/300 4 spd
62 Imp CV SS 327/300HP 700R4 (sold)
62 Imp HT SS 409/482 stroker 4 spd
62 Imp SS 409 - 5 spd Convertible
https://paulstensland.com
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Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-22-23 07:14 AM - Post#2853611
In response to Magnetocheck
I did put them back in . odd it happened after I had new hinges installed. one hinge broke which is why I had new ones installed . then the next day I opened the trunk and I remember feeling something slip and it fell shut
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Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-22-23 07:15 AM - Post#2853612
In response to pvs409
I believe they cross still . I could use some pictures thank you
adam63impala@gmail.com
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japete92
Posts: 2092
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-22-23 08:43 AM - Post#2853616
In response to Adam63impala
I did put them back in . odd it happened after I had new hinges installed. one hinge broke which is why I had new ones installed . then the next day I opened the trunk and I remember feeling something slip and it fell shut
The torsion bars are adjustable. There are 'notches' on both sides. Find the combination that provides the needed force.
And, YES their is a significant amount of force required. As Paul said the jack is a useful tool.
Do you have the manuals (Shop and Assembly) for your car?
Pete
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Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-22-23 01:14 PM - Post#2853619
In response to japete92
I believe a few years ago I tried each slot and all slots wouldn't hold the trunk up.
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dcairns
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2349
Loc: Orange CA
Reg: 11-07-03
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01-23-23 07:11 AM - Post#2853638
In response to Adam63impala
These pics are from my 64, but 63 should be the same.
- Dave
1964 Impala 4-door sedan
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Tony1963
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2070
Loc: Orlando Florida
Reg: 07-09-18
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01-23-23 07:30 AM - Post#2853640
In response to Adam63impala
The trunk lid is held open by the energy stored in the torsion bar springs. Those torsion bar springs have slots (as in the pic) to adjust the tension. I recall in the service manual that Chevrolet had a tool for dealers that was a long extension rod to leverage the rods into their slots.
If the lid won't stay up, then either the torsion springs are not attached or are otherwise compromised.
| People fear change because it threatens what they know, or what they claim to know. |
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Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-23-23 07:37 AM - Post#2853641
In response to dcairns
thank you for those pics.
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Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-23-23 07:39 AM - Post#2853642
In response to Tony1963
Well, I've been doing a little research and apparently guys have had trouble with some cheap ebay repop hinges holding the trunk open...but I don't see how the hinges would hold it open...wouldn't that just rely on the torsion bars ?
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Tony1963
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2070
Loc: Orlando Florida
Reg: 07-09-18
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01-23-23 08:08 AM - Post#2853644
In response to Adam63impala
The hinges only provide a pivot. The energy to hold the lid up is in the torsion springs.
| People fear change because it threatens what they know, or what they claim to know. |
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japete92
Posts: 2092
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-23-23 08:44 AM - Post#2853647
In response to Adam63impala
thank you for those pics.
The '63 is the same as those '64 pics.
The torsion bars do not have to be in the same 'notch'; left and right. There are six adjustment positions (not three). On my '63, both bars in the top notches (left and right) was too 'tight'; making the lid too hard to close. Lowering one side (it does not matter which side) one notch while keeping the the other side in the top notch was perfect. That's just my personal experience.
I can think of a few things that can make a trunk lid 'heavier' than it should be. A lot of bondo covering up rust and/or damage. Lots of layers of paint/clear coat (some folks like that look). Or, both.
Just info.
Pete
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Adam63impala
Contributor
Posts: 988
Loc: From Memphis to Florida
Reg: 12-01-15
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01-23-23 09:34 AM - Post#2853651
In response to japete92
did not think about having them in different notches than other side . what did you use to adjust the torsion bar , jack handle ? I can't really remember what I used before. and the trunk used to close fine until I had new hinges installed so I know it isn't bondo / paint related.
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japete92
Posts: 2092
Loc: No. Virginia
Reg: 01-18-13
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01-23-23 11:53 AM - Post#2853654
In response to Adam63impala
did not think about having them in different notches than other side . what did you use to adjust the torsion bar , jack handle ? I can't really remember what I used before. and the trunk used to close fine until I had new hinges installed so I know it isn't bondo / paint related.
I used a scissors jack to provide the mechanical advantage I needed to 'lift' the Tbar into its intended notch. I placed a piece of plywood under the jack to spread out to forces on the trunk structure. Not sure that was necessary but I did not wish to take the risk. I'm sure a hydraulic jack would also do the job.
Pete
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dcairns
Frequent Contributor
Posts: 2349
Loc: Orange CA
Reg: 11-07-03
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01-24-23 07:40 AM - Post#2853668
In response to japete92
I adjusted mine with a bottle jack handle. Basically a piece of pipe that fit over the end of the torsion bar. It gives you a 'handle' and leverage to move the bar up or down a notch. I suppose a short (1-2 ft) length of galvanized pipe from the hardware store would do the trick.
- Dave
1964 Impala 4-door sedan
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OriginalSweed62
Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 01-27-23
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01-28-23 04:29 PM - Post#2853846
In response to Adam63impala
Hi Adam
I dived into this issue with my -62 trunk.
In my case, the linkage parts and the hinge house both where vorn, and caused the problem, original springs was not the problem.
I have posted about this issue before, search Sweed62, I guess my pictures is gone thou, send me a pm if you want pictures.
I have lost my mail host and my picture host kicked me out, to be a supporting member to CT might be the way to not loose pictures and keep supporting my fellow chevy lover.
I just registered a new account, lets see how I works.
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G. Baker
Poster
Posts: 82
Loc: Ontario Canada
Reg: 12-18-15
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02-07-23 10:09 AM - Post#2854220
In response to dcairns
In the top picture the Left Torsion Bar Bracket appears to be cracked at the top and likely is bending down when you close the trunk.
Perhaps this has since been repaired.
Put some kid or wifey in the trunk with a flashlight and slowly close the trunk if you cannot see it from outside. Don't leave them in there while you go for parts.
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OriginalSweed62
Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 01-27-23
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02-10-23 11:15 AM - Post#2854341
In response to Adam63impala
I have gone thru this issue. I did pin down the cause of this problem at my particular -62.
It was in my case, vorn at trunk lid hinge house and vorn at hinge mechanism inside hinge house that caused the problem.
After i fixed this vorn, the lid action was flawless with original springs.
To me, it is very obvious, that the original mechanism design is theoretically pretty nice, but it cant stand vorn at all, vorn will give less opening angle because the spring get less tensioned, and the very sad end of this vorn will be a mechanism, turned into a locked up kneejoint funktion, that will brake the lid or something in the mechanism if you trying to close lid while lid is stuck open.
Svenne
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OriginalSweed62
Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 01-27-23
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02-10-23 11:34 AM - Post#2854342
In response to OriginalSweed62
Remove your lid whith proper care taken to not damage the body, relax and remove the lid springs, bend down the tabs holding the hinge bolt and remove the mechanism, then inspect the mechanism for vorn, you will probably see oblonged holes at hinge housing, you will probably see serious signs of vorn at mechanism.
If so, this is the cause of this problem.
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OriginalSweed62
Newbie
Posts: 4
Reg: 01-27-23
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02-10-23 12:06 PM - Post#2854345
In response to OriginalSweed62
Its a pitty this mechanism design flaw cause this issues, i solved it by making a rediciously complicated bushhing at hinge house, and then welded/grinded compensation at mechanism links. Someone suggested to weld C-shaped washer to the hinge box, washer holding the spring back opposit to the vorn direction, and i think its a pretty good idea for a long time temporary solution.
Hence, a C-shaped washer around the spring, welded to hinge box, holding the spring opposit to the vorn direction and some vorn compensating welding/smoth-grinding could get your lid action like new again. It did for me.
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