looking for alternative to trunk t-bar

[Jim]

My '72 has a flimsy aftermarket decklid. I'm sure if I use the single torsion bar set-up that it is going to twist and bulge.

I was thinking about engineering a strut-rod set up similar to what is used on late model vehicles.

Anybody have any experience with something like this?

I'm open to other suggestions.

[GoodysGotaCuda]

you would likely need to weld a mount to the bottom of the trunk mount for the strut to mount to. Those struts usually take a bit of force to keep closed as well..But they come in different ratings.

[Super Blue 72]

you would likely need to weld a mount to the bottom of the trunk mount for the strut to mount to. Those struts usually take a bit of force to keep closed as well..But they come in different ratings.

  Those struts do take some pressure to close them as they are gas charged.  If the trunk lid you have is too flimsy for the single torsion bar, then I would think that it may twist with the strut set up.

Is this fiberglass? 

How about a rod attached to the underside of the trunk lid or just below the tailights, inside of the trunk on the trunk floor like how some newer cars use for the hood setup? 

[Jim]

The problem with the single T-bar is that it only loads one hinge.

I'd mount a strut on both hinges, and position it such that little or no opening force is applied in the closed position.

The trunk lit is steel, but it's a pretty light gauge.

[the_engineers]

I have a friend with a '70 Challenger that has a strut rod.  He bolted it to the t-bar brace and to the outer side of the hinge.  I think the strut only has to extend a few inches because of the leverage.  I'll see if I can get pics in the next week, or so.

[Jim]

I have a friend with a '70 Challenger that has a strut rod.  He bolted it to the t-bar brace and to the outer side of the hinge.  I think the strut only has to extend a few inches because of the leverage.  I'll see if I can get pics in the next week, or so.

That would be VERY helpful!

[71 DEPUTY]

done this with the Deputy as it only had one t bar.

here are some pics!!!!

[Jim]

Looks like I need to make a trip to the local Pull-A-Part.

[gkring]

There are a ton of different shocks out there. From factory steel hoods, to fiberglass trunks, all the way down to snapon tool box lids. the trick is finding the right one with the correct stroke and strength to keep your trunk up. I agree, some junkyard hopping is in order.

[MoparCar]

I plan on doing the same for my 71 single torsion bar lid. I did see a Camaro at this year's goodguy show that had one of the electric linear actuator type lifts on the lid. Very nice, but a bit big for the install. I may have pictures. I'll have to check.

Wes

[Aussie Challenger]

  I wouldn't bother with junkyard struts as they maybe soft and most of the new ones are very cheap.   

[MoparCar]

Here's a picture of a linear electric strut. If you could hide it up underneath it might work. You'd still need to figure out the latch vs the power necessary to pop it closed.

Wes