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  #1  
Old 03-08-2025, 10:50 AM
GordonGeesey GordonGeesey is offline
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Default Hood Spring Help

When I bought my '69 GTO it had already been restored. I immediately noticed that the hood springs were really "weak" - meaning that they barely kept the hood raised. Any slight breeze or even opening the door and sitting in the car when the hood was raised would cause the hood to come crashing down.

So I purchased a reproduction hood hinge & spring kit. I was disappointed to find that once installed and aligned properly, the situation only slightly improved. The hood still closes much too easily. It's bad enough that I'm afraid to raise the hood at a cruise-in or show for fear that the hood will slam down on someone.

Does someone make a set of "heavy duty" springs for my car (or know of another set of springs that'll fit) that might solve this issue?

TIA for any advice!

  #2  
Old 03-08-2025, 12:11 PM
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Bruce Meyer Bruce Meyer is offline
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Buy the Ames springs part # D130. I had the same problem. Put these on and problem solved.

  #3  
Old 03-08-2025, 01:11 PM
tooski tooski is offline
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Same problem with my 68 Firebird. Stock replacement from Rock Auto fixed it.

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  #4  
Old 03-08-2025, 08:01 PM
GordonGeesey GordonGeesey is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce Meyer View Post
Buy the Ames springs part # D130. I had the same problem. Put these on and problem solved.
Ames doesn't list Part # D130. The only hood springs they list say that they're for a Firebird.

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Old 03-08-2025, 08:03 PM
GordonGeesey GordonGeesey is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tooski View Post
Same problem with my 68 Firebird. Stock replacement from Rock Auto fixed it.
Rock Auto doesn't list any hood springs for a 69 Goat. Do you know your Part #'s by any chance??

  #6  
Old 03-09-2025, 09:35 AM
GordonGeesey GordonGeesey is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GordonGeesey View Post
Ames doesn't list Part # D130. The only hood springs they list say that they're for a Firebird.

Looked on line and couldnt find D130. Went to their actual paper catalog and they list it? Finally figured out that D130 is the application for 66-67 GTO's. Since I was searching for hinges for a '69 it never showed up. LOL

Springs are ordered, and fingers crossed they solve my issue. Thanks for the guidance!!

  #7  
Old 03-09-2025, 06:04 PM
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hakansan hakansan is offline
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Here is what You need!
https://www.amesperf.com/parts/searc...lts/?term=d131

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  #8  
Old 03-09-2025, 10:37 PM
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Bruce Meyer Bruce Meyer is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hakansan View Post
That spring wont do him any good. The D130 is a stronger spring and will work good on his loose 69 hinges. Been there done that.

  #9  
Old 03-25-2025, 12:28 PM
GordonGeesey GordonGeesey is offline
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Update: The D130 springs were ordered and installed. They seem to have solved the issue! Thanks to everyone who weighed in to help!

  #10  
Old 05-10-2025, 08:30 PM
Red Box Rebel Red Box Rebel is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruce Meyer View Post
Buy the Ames springs part # D130. I had the same problem. Put these on and problem solved.
I had the same problem with the Original Hood Springs for my '68 GTO. I bought the AMES new springs and assemblies. They barely hold the hood up. Very disappointing.

  #11  
Old 05-10-2025, 09:20 PM
tom s tom s is offline
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My 69 bird had the same issue,I found some Volvo springs that fit inside the stock GM springs and it cured it.Can be installed with the originals on the car.Tom

  #12  
Old 05-14-2025, 06:18 PM
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grivera grivera is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom s View Post
My 69 bird had the same issue,I found some Volvo springs that fit inside the stock GM springs and it cured it.Can be installed with the originals on the car.Tom
Hi Tom- I have the same issue with my bird - do you have a part number for the ones you used?

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'69 Firebird, 400/461, 290 Eddy D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, XS 350, #47 heads, TH400, 10 Bolt 3.23 gears, work in progress
‘66 Lemans, 455, 310 KRE D-Ports, HR 236/245, TH400, GV OD, 12 bolt 3.73 gears - see it here:
https://youtu.be/RP_s1wJKm_Y?si=K0NZxoTyaGcj8Dcb
  #13  
Old 05-14-2025, 06:26 PM
tom s tom s is offline
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I dont,been a few years.I did a search at the time,will see if I can find it.Tom

  #14  
Old 05-14-2025, 06:47 PM
tom s tom s is offline
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I think they were Volvo 140-142 springs.They fit inside the firebird springs.No guarantee but they look like what I used.Tom

  #15  
Old 05-14-2025, 08:36 PM
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grivera grivera is offline
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Thank you

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Will Rivera

'69 Firebird, 400/461, 290 Eddy D-Ports, HR 230/236, 4l80E, 8.5 Rear, 3.55 gears
'69 LeMans Vert, XS 350, #47 heads, TH400, 10 Bolt 3.23 gears, work in progress
‘66 Lemans, 455, 310 KRE D-Ports, HR 236/245, TH400, GV OD, 12 bolt 3.73 gears - see it here:
https://youtu.be/RP_s1wJKm_Y?si=K0NZxoTyaGcj8Dcb
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