[hotwheels]

I replaced my hood springs with the correct '69 Firebird hinges and springs when I restored my T/A, but the hood doesn't stay open as high as it should. Steve K, I think I might have e-mailed you about this awhile back, but I still don't have a confirmed answer. I seem to remember that my original springs had one that was thicker than the other, but I misplaced them (10 years of restoration and moving, etc.). Are the '69 T/A hood springs more heavy duty to compensate for the heavier hood, and if so, are they shared with another GM car (Chevelle perhaps)?

[hotwheels]

I replaced my hood springs with the correct '69 Firebird hinges and springs when I restored my T/A, but the hood doesn't stay open as high as it should. Steve K, I think I might have e-mailed you about this awhile back, but I still don't have a confirmed answer. I seem to remember that my original springs had one that was thicker than the other, but I misplaced them (10 years of restoration and moving, etc.). Are the '69 T/A hood springs more heavy duty to compensate for the heavier hood, and if so, are they shared with another GM car (Chevelle perhaps)?

[steveK]

HW, good question. I just pulled my originals off the car and got lighter springs as the original TA hood was stolen a long time ago. I will compare the set of original TA's with another pair of regular springs I pulled off my 69 conv. and let you know if there is a thickness difference. -S

[MikeNoun]

I had the same problem. Brand new NOS hood hinges, brand new NOS springs, and the hood would creep down about 5 inches after I fully opened it. I ordered a new set of springs thinking I had Camaro springs, but the same thing happened.

I ended up getting a pair of NOS 1979 Firebird springs, which were shorter, and slightly thicker. Problem solved, and the appearance is virtually identical.

Not sure what years used these springs, but I'm guessing all 70-81.

[chas-3]

I have always heard that '69 T/A hood springs were thicker and stronger due to the heavier hood and ram air set up. I'll see if I can find anything that points this out in my '69 Service Manual.

Chuck

[steveK]

Well, I compared the 69 TA springs with the regular 69 350 hood springs and the TA's were definetly thicker, so yes, they are different. It looks like the 2nd gen springs may do the job, but not sure.

[hotwheels]

So, Steve, are the T/A springs bigger in overall diameter as well as having thicker wire stock? Are they also shorter? It seems like they would have just used a spring from another GM car off the shelf rather than produce a whole new spring for 697 cars. Is it possible that they already had the springs engineered for the next generation firebird while the '69 models were still in production? Maybe it is a coincidence that the 2nd generation springs work and look like the springs that were actually used.
Do you have some calipers to measure the wire diameter as well as the coil diameter? I could check these dimensions against other GM springs.
By the way, thanks to all that have responded!!!

[Pontiac Marv]

According to the July 1, 1970 Pontiac parts catalog I have, the "69 F/8 400-4B.C." Hood Hinge Spring was part #546325. This was the only application for this spring, and it was NOT used for any other application and/or by another GM car division. It was discontinued as a service part April 1974! To me the parts book application was a bit vague (as this occasionally happened), but I would guess this hood hinge spring was intended for 400 cars with the ram air inlet, and Trans Am. Someone mentioned once on this BB that Year One sells a reprint of the 1969 Firebird assembly manual. The exact application for this spring should be noted in there.

[ March 20, 2002: Message edited by: Pontiac Marv ]</p>

[steveK]

HW, the springs are exactly the same lenth but the material is thicker as well as the total thickness is wider. I have an assy manual for 69 Firebird and TA and will get the part number if I locate it in the book. I will also measure the springs for you as well. Maybe tomorrow I will have it for you. -S

[steveK]

I found 2 different part numbers for hood springs in the assy. manual and the parts catalogue. For 250 - 350 engines 3848272 and for 400 engines 546325. I took a measurement of my original TA springs and the dimensions are the following:
TA-- 1 5/8" width and 9 1/2" long with 9/32 thick.
Standard - 1 3/8: width 9 1/4" long 3/16 thick.
So you need to find the 546325 part number. Possibly the 70 - 72 TA's springs may work but need to verify that with a parts book.

[ March 21, 2002: Message edited by: steveK ]</p>

[hotwheels]

Excellent detection work, Steve!
Thank you for going out of your way to get me this info. Hopefully this will help anybody else who is restoring a '69 T/A. Speaking of which, how is yours coming along?
I took mine back to the paint shop for a little touch up before the car shows begin.
If I find a match to the part number you referenced, I'll post it.

Thanks again
-Matt (aka Hotwheels)

[steveK]

No problem HW. I was glad you posted that question as I had wondered that myself but was not motivated to research it. I was wondering if the GTO's had the stiffer springs with that part #. Anything with the hood mounted scoops and/or RAM air had the stiffer springs as well so maybe the GTO springs are what you may need.
My car is coming along well, hopefully to the paint shop within a month or so. Most of the hard work mechanically is completed just need some minor body work and finesseing!

[RAJ7395]

I checked my factory assembly manual (yes I got it from Y1) and this is what it said. GM drawing # 9796500 has the following spring assemblies listed: 3910668-RH and 3910667-LH. The drawing also has the following numbers for hood hinge the springs (the print is really hard to read as some of the numbers are missing large chunks so here's my best attempt): 3848272-standard hood spring, 546325-RA hood springs (the middle 6 and last 5 are the hard to read #'s).