Repro deck lid torque rods
 

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.

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

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

Steve, were they individually labeled?

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

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

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

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. !

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

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

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.

Re did this a bit, and will add to the restoration thread..
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...5&d=1452612587

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

How about a pic of the tool?

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

:o

Found the pic of tool!

:)

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1452630951


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

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...1&d=1452630951

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!

So, this pic has the rods backwards?

http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...5&d=1452612587

:confused:

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.