The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Hood Spring Removal Tool Question

Hello Everyone,
I've got a question about the hood spring removal tool that Kieth Hardy and Chris Taskos discussed in the Tech Tip. The diagram shows the measurements for a 49-54 chevy hood tool, I'm interested if anyone might have the height measurements for a 58 apache hood, I can't imagine that they would be too different, but I am not familiar with the hood springs from the earlier trucks. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Shoot, all I ever used was a large screwdriver and a good helping of caution.

you might try measuring yours not sure that technique would work on the 58 with the springs mounted so differently, but they're about the same length overall

first remove hood, makes it a lot easier - otherwise find a stick a length to hold the hood up as far as it'll go, the spring isn't totally relaxed when open .... put a pair of vicegrips on the front spring hook - using a good pry tool [big screwdriver] poke in behind the bracket it hooks in and pry the end forward and out of the slot

to put it back, use the vicegrips and a strong arm, or maybe 2, not too tough actually

Bill

I made & used THIS to install & remove hood springs.
And if you need to spread the springs apart try it THIS way..joe

Zookeeper, that is a fine idea. I have copied both of those photos for future reference. I had been wondering how to better reinstall the hood springs on my project 66 C-1. Thanks!

Seth K. Pyle

Hope this helps.
Just changed the hood springs on my 55 series 2.
If you look at the springs when the hood is open, they are closed. That is to say no gaps between the spring coils. On the other hand, when the hood is closed the spring stretches and there are gaps.
Lower the hood just enough so you can reach in and push 6 to 8 washers into the gaps. Then open the hood. The springs with washers will fall out of the hinges.
Install the same washers in the new springs. I used a chain hoist and stretched the springs with two tow ropes and the bumper of my SUV. Then open the hood all the way and put the springs with washers in place. When you close the hood the washers will fall out and the springs are "installed". EASY, and only takes about 15 minutes.