hood torsion bar

[manny1973]

On my 73Z the front hood torsion bars are not attached to the hood hinges. I have obtained a set but can not figure out how to install them. I have searched the sites but have not found any info on installing. Is there a way to get them installed without taking the hood or hinges off?

[Walter Moore]

The hinges have to stay bolted to the car, but I think you have to remove both the hood and the grille. At least is it a lot simpler that way.

See the attached pictures for more detail of how it ends up. (The green slime is "dust" left over from wet sanding the car that I never got around to washing out...)

The torsion bars have one end with a flat washer like end and two 90 degree angles, and the other end has only one 90 and then a long straight section. The straight section slides horizontally into the hood hinge base and then fits into the bottom of the torsion bar holder. On the other end you have to twist the bar around until you can get the keeper part through the hole in the pivoting plate on the side of the hinge about half way up.

The bars have to be installed so that they are constantly pulling the hinges up, and toward the front of the car. It takes quite a bit of force as I recall.

[manny1973]

I was afraid of that. Had hoped I would not have to remove the hood. I tried to put them on with the grill off but I could not get enough leverage to force them into the holder. Thanks, I guess I have a new project.