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Posted by: peteyd Jun 8 2017, 06:18 AM

I have looked into getting the front trunk springs manufactured.

I believe there are two different variants, but this is the sample that I gave the guy.




Edit: I just want to add, that powder coating these springs will amount to some tension loss. I dont know the science behind it, that is just what the spring manufacturer told me.


We would be looking at selling a set for $60.

Is this a product that would be of interest at this price point?

Pete

Posted by: GeorgeRud Jun 8 2017, 09:39 AM

I think the gas strut conversion would be more desirable. How many folks have had their springs break or wear out?

Posted by: peteyd Jun 8 2017, 09:57 AM

The springs do not break. They loose their tension. So most of our cars are on the last adjustment and the hood is still sagging.

Pete

Posted by: brownaar Jun 8 2017, 11:37 AM

I'm in.

Posted by: burton73 Jun 8 2017, 12:42 PM

I have never had set sag or break but have wanted to refinish them.

For a guy doing a restoration the $50. Plus shipping is less that it would cost to blast and
Paint them.

My 76 original car has no sag and the springs up front are perfect even paint on them.

Bob B

Posted by: walterolin Jun 8 2017, 01:03 PM

One set.

Posted by: McMark Jun 8 2017, 01:21 PM

I'd take a set in hopes of making the hood sit higher.

I hate the gas strut conversion! Especially on the front. I really don't see the benefit compared to a stock spring/torsion setup.

AND

Gas struts definitely wear out faster than springs.

Posted by: AZ914 Jun 8 2017, 02:15 PM

I would be interested as well.

Posted by: peteyd Jun 8 2017, 02:18 PM

Ok,

That is enough interest for me. I will give the go ahead to the manufacturer. Hopefully 4-6 weeks they should be ready.

Pete

Posted by: Andyrew Jun 8 2017, 02:19 PM

I agree, Always liked the 914 springs in the front, and wish I had the ability to use the rear as well. Hood shocks seem to wear out after about 5 years.

Posted by: porschetub Jun 8 2017, 03:05 PM

Yes they do,mine are on the last hole but I did notice they do tend to cut into the hole in the hinge which makes then loose even more tention,spring steel is very hard.

Posted by: mepstein Jun 8 2017, 03:35 PM

I'll take a set.
Much easier than powdercoating the old ones!

Posted by: cary Jun 8 2017, 04:04 PM

What he said ...................
Every car that I've touched I've moved them to the last notch.

Posted by: Steve Jun 8 2017, 04:26 PM

I would also be interested. My springs are on there last notch and the lid sags a bit, but not bad.

Posted by: Mblizzard Jun 8 2017, 06:04 PM

I would do a set as well. Regardless of the gas strut option I think a 40'year life span fora spring is a bit beyond the design specs.

Posted by: Rand Jun 8 2017, 06:16 PM

Fair enough if this is a dumb question, but Does paint or powdercoating work on springs which flex? (Compared to a metallurgic treatment like anodizing (I know, not alu min yum) or cadmium or whatever else...? How were original springs treated? They weren't painted, were they? Paint makes me think flakes are flying every time you open the hood.

Always learning.

Posted by: Chris914n6 Jun 8 2017, 06:26 PM

I think $50/pr is a good price point.

All the cars I've had, had the spring in the 2nd slot. I moved mine to the third, which has been holding the hood open with a shop light on the end for over a month now

Half of them had been painted when the car was painted so they look like crap, so that's a good motivation even if they are still functional.

My CAMP914 trunk struts are still solid and it's been close to 15 years But then the rear SUV glass struts (Sachs) are fading at just a year for a second time. Hatch struts are fine 10 years later, can't explain it

Posted by: Spoke Jun 8 2017, 07:27 PM

Also the shocks don't provide the safety of the hood dropping when partially open.

I'm on my 2nd set of shocks and the 2nd set is worn out. I still need to keep a length of 2x2 in the trunk to hold it up when fueling or just when the hood is open.

I'm in for a set of springs.

Posted by: StratPlayer Jun 8 2017, 07:35 PM

In for a set....

Posted by: 914dave Jun 8 2017, 07:46 PM

I'll take a set.

Posted by: funk Jun 8 2017, 08:01 PM

a set for me to please. Can't pay till july? I hope that's OK

Posted by: ValcoOscar Jun 8 2017, 10:18 PM

I'm in as well...

Posted by: orthobiz Jun 9 2017, 04:37 AM

I would like a set. But the spring rate is important...A few of years ago I was at Brad Mayeur's with severely sagging springs. He took a bunch of springs he had on hand and kept replacing mine until we had a pair that held the hood up in the third (last) notch.

So, I don't know what original spec is, but if the supplied spring you gave did not match the original you could wind up (hey, a spring term!) with a sagging replacement spring.

Otherwise, I'm in for two pairs! Great idea!

Paul

Posted by: Jasfsmith Jun 9 2017, 06:42 AM

I'm in for two sets.

James Smith

Posted by: Mark Henry Jun 9 2017, 07:37 AM

I've been hit in the head too many times because of failing gas struts.
IMPO on the rear trunk of a 914 they are in the way.

I'll have to look at mine, not a big deal but I know it doesn't open the last inch or so.

Posted by: live free & drive Jun 9 2017, 07:43 AM

I'd be I for a set as well.

Posted by: 914-300Hemi Jun 9 2017, 08:04 AM

I'm in a for a set.

Posted by: peteyd Jun 9 2017, 09:46 AM

I put in a PO for the springs. They will give me a sample set, then I will test fit them. If the spring rate is correct I will give the go ahead. 4 weeks out, so when they are ready I will update this thread with pictures.

Pete

Posted by: rmdinmd Jun 9 2017, 02:10 PM

I would be interested in a set as well.

Posted by: maf914 Jun 10 2017, 05:55 AM

I am in for a pair if this happens. Thanks, Pete.

Posted by: 914Sixer Jun 10 2017, 08:29 PM

Never pulled a set of springs off any car that I could use for replacements. A very needed product.

Posted by: 23e Heure Jun 11 2017, 04:07 AM

Yes please for one set! (If you would be willing to ship to UK).

Posted by: Kansas 914 Jun 11 2017, 08:45 AM

I am in for at least one set.

Posted by: peteyd Jul 31 2017, 02:42 PM

The springs are ready.

http://www.restoration-design.com/store/product/PP336S

Posted by: Mblizzard Jul 31 2017, 03:14 PM

Ordered!

Now I can get it fully up!

Posted by: bandjoey Jul 31 2017, 03:29 PM

Can you make a new body for say, $10k?

Posted by: peteyd Aug 1 2017, 07:20 AM

Here is a little video on instagram of the springs in action.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXQKR92AVKr/?taken-by=restorationdesign1&hl=en

Posted by: Morrie Aug 1 2017, 01:20 PM

I looked at the instagram video and can't tell what hook you have the springs on. Ideally it would be on the lightest tension (closest to dash) or close to it so if they do wear with time there is some adjustment?

Posted by: peteyd Aug 1 2017, 01:48 PM

The springs in the video are in the middle position. I had them on the lightest tension and they held up the hood, but they didnt "pop" the hood up like the middle position did.

These springs will have to go through another couple thousand expansions to loose the spring rate. This is what the spring manufacturer told me.

Pete

Posted by: Ed_Turbo Aug 1 2017, 01:54 PM

Anyone know a good tool to stretch and place these springs? Maybe like a coil spring compressor just use it in reverse?

Posted by: peteyd Aug 1 2017, 02:04 PM

You can easily do it with your hands.

Posted by: Ed_Turbo Aug 1 2017, 02:11 PM

I meant to stretch them out more. Mine is on notch #2 and thinking of going #3 for now.

Posted by: bdstone914 Aug 1 2017, 09:09 PM

I have always disliked the multiple notch adjustment of the springs. It would be nice to have a sliding plate with a single hook and threaded adjustment that allows tightening of the sagging springs. Could be adjusted softer for FB or CF hoods. My experience with powder coating springs is that the heat of the oven removes some temper and they sag worse.

Posted by: bdstone914 Aug 1 2017, 09:12 PM

I challenger you do show how that can be easily done by hand. I have seen a method using a lever against the strut tower as a fumcrum point that looked doable.

Posted by: 23e Heure Aug 4 2017, 03:35 PM

I'm in Europe, and I can't see them yet on the restoration-design Europe web store.

Peter: any idea when they will be available there?

Posted by: mepstein Aug 4 2017, 03:40 PM

Leather gloves, pull hard. I've done it plenty of times. But I also have a manual winch mounted on my wall that makes installing and removing very easy. I think it was $12 at harbor freight.

Posted by: Mblizzard Aug 4 2017, 04:49 PM

Got mine today. Good looking kit.

Posted by: larryM Aug 5 2017, 09:39 PM

exactly

- i'm in for a set

Posted by: Spoke Aug 6 2017, 05:48 AM

Just got mine. Now my trunk lid doesn't try to attack me when I'm refueling.

Posted by: Michael N Aug 9 2017, 02:08 PM

Received the new springs this morning and installed. Easily done with my son holding trunk all the way open while I removed and installed the new springs by hand using leather gloves. Had to use the middle setting to get the balance right.

Posted by: Morrie Aug 9 2017, 02:59 PM

Ordered my set today as my hood keeps hovering loosely above my head threatening to drop on me at any moment. Thanks RD!

Posted by: Socalandy Aug 9 2017, 04:12 PM

What about production for the early version pretty please

I will even send you this set if you need them to get the job done


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Posted by: peteyd Aug 10 2017, 07:29 AM

I can get these done, but will the later version not fit on early cars?

Pete

Posted by: mepstein Aug 10 2017, 07:32 AM

I bet they will but I imagine it's more of a detail thing than a fit issue. The guys with 6's especially want "6" parts on their 6's.

Posted by: Socalandy Aug 10 2017, 10:05 AM

They will fit but are not correct for 70-71 MY

Posted by: peteyd Aug 10 2017, 11:30 AM

Alright you CCW , if someone can send me one, I will get them done.

Posted by: Socalandy Aug 10 2017, 02:03 PM

I will ship you one tomorrow. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

and as for the CCW comment, I have almost 10K on my -6 since the resto and don't own a trailer

Posted by: Socalandy Aug 10 2017, 04:08 PM

Shipped!!!

Thanks Peter

Posted by: Mblizzard Aug 19 2017, 05:07 PM

Installed mine today. What an awesome improvement! Thanks again RD!

Posted by: mepstein Aug 19 2017, 05:16 PM

I was at Spoke's house today and he showed off his new pair of springs. Worked as new.

Posted by: Spoke Aug 19 2017, 09:36 PM

Yeah, now instead of the hood dropping and attacking me when I'm looking in the trunk, the hood hits me in the chin on the way up.

It's funny how a retro-fit solution is better than the newer solution where we always expect the opposite. I think the newer hood shocks could work if the geometry was different. The hood shocks on my 911 always push up on the hood from closed to fully open. They are mounted vertically whereas the 914 hood shocks are mounted horizontally.

At any rate, new hood shocks rule.

Posted by: Socalandy Oct 26 2017, 12:12 PM

Awsome,

Early hood springs are availible Thanks RD !!!!!!!!!



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Posted by: Socalandy Nov 21 2017, 10:19 PM

Here’s the proof they work perfectly

https://youtu.be/QkEhwY_7h7s

Posted by: peteyd Nov 22 2017, 07:01 AM

Andy,

thanks for posting.

Pete

Posted by: peteyd Nov 22 2017, 11:48 AM

Both versions of these springs will be on sale one day only this Friday!

25% off

Pete

Posted by: mb911 Nov 22 2017, 05:29 PM

Will any sheet metal be on sale Pete?? I need one last piece.

Posted by: sdearman Nov 22 2017, 06:35 PM

I need a set, will there be a link or is it on a website

Posted by: SKL1 Nov 22 2017, 09:00 PM

Gotta remember to order those on Friday- the '73 definitely needs them, or should I say my forehead will be happy to have them...

Posted by: Socalandy Nov 23 2017, 08:40 AM

Early springs 70-71
http://www.restoration-design.com/store/product/PP336SA


Late 72-76
http://www.restoration-design.com/store/product/PP336S

Posted by: peteyd Nov 23 2017, 08:45 AM

The springs will be the only pieces on sale.

There wont be an order code to apply the discount, but I can assure you that the discount will be applied.

If youre not comfortable placing the order online, PM me with your email and we can setup the transaction that way.

Happy Thanksgiving my American Friends!

Pete

Posted by: 98101 Nov 24 2017, 12:45 PM

Just ordered mine. I'm still nervous about installation with no tools.

Posted by: davehg Nov 24 2017, 02:03 PM

Ordered a pair - thanks for the deal!

Posted by: CMONNETT Nov 24 2017, 02:14 PM

Ordered two sets, Thanks!

Posted by: SKL1 Nov 24 2017, 04:20 PM

Just ordered a set for my '73. Sure hope the installation with leather gloves is as easy as they say. Seems like they'll be under a lot of tension!! Sure don't want a missle flying through the garage!!

Posted by: Socalandy Nov 24 2017, 04:46 PM

Here’s an easy solution and most will have what you need in the garage. Make sure the wire stays on the outside when you hook it so the wire will be free to remove and not trapped between the bracket and spring


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Posted by: Socalandy Nov 24 2017, 04:47 PM

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Posted by: peteyd Nov 27 2017, 07:17 AM

Thank you to all who ordered the trunk springs. These will be shipped out on Tuesday.

Pete

Posted by: Eric_Shea Nov 27 2017, 11:33 AM

Posted by: 98101 Nov 27 2017, 12:32 PM

Another data point: our 1998 Lexus trunk (using gas struts I assume) doesn’t raise as well as my 914 front trunk that probably has 1970 springs. The Lexus is otherwise reliable, but I guess they weren’t optimizing for a 50-year useful life.

Posted by: StratPlayer Dec 10 2017, 12:25 PM

Ordered