[455hota]

I just bought a set of the repro deck lid torque rods from Ames, for my 70 TA. I made sure I ordered the right ones for a rear spoiler (FK386L, and FK386R).
I have them installed on the highest setting, and they will not keep the deck lid open 2 or 3 inches from the closed position, nor do they have enough strength to hold the decklid up in the fully open position if I place it there.

Has anyone successfully used these repro decklid torque rods on a 70 TA?

I will be calling Ames tomorrow.

Thanks for any feedback.

[mklinger]

I used two of the heavier (thicker) rods with success.

[455hota]

So you just ordered two the repro thicker rods? do you know which part number is the thicker one?

[FunctionalShaker]

Steve, were they individually labeled?

[455hota]

I don't know they were shipped directly to my body shop.

[mklinger]

They were OER....ill have to check the parts number. I assume the ones you got were two different diameters..yes?

[Formulabruce]

1. They CAN be installed backwards ( right on left side, etc), and trunk will not stay up.
2. Factory only used ONE stronger rod for 'spoiled" cars

[Formula8]

I only used one rod. It was the thicker repo. Scary as hell to install but worked fine.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by Formula8

I only used one rod. It was the thicker repo. Scary as hell to install but worked fine.

yup, sure is scary.... I would never think of installing one on a painted car... Im not that good, or strong I guess. !

[FunctionalShaker]

Here's a pic of how they install. I made a tool to make the job easier -- and less dangerous.

[455hota]

I will check when I get back into town. Thanks for the info.

[455hota]

I called Ames and they told me the right hand rod is the thicker one. And he said you can not install two thicker ones as they don't make a thick rod in the left hand configuration.

[Formulabruce]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

Here's a pic of how they install. I made a tool to make the job easier -- and less dangerous.

Re did this a bit, and will add to the restoration thread..

[455hota]

This weekend when I get home I will check out which side I have the thick rod installed on. Thanks.

[johnta1]

I made a tool to make the job easier

How about a pic of the tool?

I had a pic of one, but can't find it at the moment.

[johnta1]

Found the pic of tool!






And a pic showing how to use it:
(shows X/A bodies, but would think the Fbirds about the same)

[FunctionalShaker]

Can't be the same because of the configuration.

The one I made is very simple as it's something I'll rarely use. A bolt, a nut and a couple of washers welded together. I then used a socket, long extension and a ratchet to twist it into place.

The thicker rod controls the right hand hinge.

[keith k]

Originally Posted by FunctionalShaker

Can't be the same because of the configuration.

The one I made is very simple as it's something I'll rarely use. A bolt, a nut and a couple of washers welded together. I then used a socket, long extension and a ratchet to twist it into place.

The thicker rod controls the right hand hinge.

Nice!

[johnta1]

I called Ames and they told me the right hand rod is the thicker one.

So, this pic has the rods backwards?

[FunctionalShaker]

That depends on how they're looking at it. The thicker rod torques from the left side, but controls the right side hinge. The long end of the rod has a bend in it which makes sense to be upward when installed in the hook(s). I reinstalled mine this way and they work fine.