Trunk Hinge Bolt Snapped Off!, Major PIA! Options

[oakdalecurtis]

I was prepping my car for the next car show and was lowering the trunk slowly, then BANG! The closed trunk was now popping up about two inches high on the right side. I reopened it slowly and saw that the trunk hinge was no longer attached to the inner fender. The hinge bolt had sheared of cleanly, flush with the inner fender support bracket. I removed the trunk lid, released the torsion bar and disassembled the hinge mechanism. I'm pretty good mechanically, but I don't have
EasyOuts and have never removed a broken bolt. After a few phone calls to local mechanics, I found one that said he could remove the broken stud no problem. I ordered a new bolt from George at AA, and he recommended that I also buy a torsion bar tool. I am glad I took his advice! After the mechanic removed the broken bolt and we installed the hinge mechanism and the new bolt, it took the torsion tool, a crow bar, a ton of pressure, and both of us working together to put the torsion bar back over the hinge pin! Thanks George!

[rhodyguy]

Did you guys open the lid before fighting with the rod? With the lid up, use a prop stick, you can move the rod around with a deep 10mm? socket and long extension. Replace BOTH rollers and lube them up.