This '88GT is about to get a wingotomy, but without that weight the decklid may fly up - dangerously. My choices are:
1. Add 20-30# of weight (lead?) to the inside of the decklid, as needed to balance the springs.
2. Reduce spring tension to match the new lighter decklid.
I prefer #2, but it looks difficult.

Is there a step-by-step Torsion Rods for Dummies somewhere?

Thanks

PS - anyone in SoCal need a wing?

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...040223-2-043677.html

quote Originally posted by notaguru: This '88GT is about to get a wingotomy, but without that weight the decklid may fly up - dangerously. My choices are: 1. Add 20-30# of weight (lead?) to the inside of the decklid, as needed to balance the springs. 2. Reduce spring tension to match the new lighter decklid. I prefer #2, but it looks difficult. Is there a step-by-step Torsion Rods for Dummies somewhere? Thanks PS - anyone in SoCal need a wing?

I used a ratchet strap like the one featured in the link posted by Gall757. It worked great for me. The straps are available at Lowe's or other hardware stores. The only thing that I need to do was to cut off part of the strap as it was too long to be completely rolled up. I had tried a number of other pry bars and such, but the ratchet strap did the job.

I added tension to mine when I put a luggage-rack on mine. I used a red nylon tie-down to good and easy effect, similarly to the link cited above.

-Michael

When I removed my wing the deck lid fly open. There was not enough adjustment to reduce the tension. I ended up replacing the torsion rods with softer rods. You might consider the gas spring that Rodney Dickman sells.

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88 GT 5 Speed Black with gray interior
3800 SCII Swap.
Paint in Progress

IT RUNS!!
IT'S QUICK!!

"Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not."

Uh-oh!
Inspecting my car - with a ratcheting tiedown strap ready to go - I see that on the right hand side the "pin" that goes into the tension-selecting hole is partly out - perhaps 1/2" of the shaft is exposed.

That'll get fixed, but I still don't see where the tiedown strap should attach at the firewall end...

[This message has been edited by notaguru (edited 02-15-2014).]

I suggest a heavy piece of wood to protect the rear glass....just in case...You cant be too careful.

Just instal some struts like the one that Rodney sell, and when you open the decklid it just comes up smoothly and stops at the lenght of the strut. That is what i did im my gt and looks cool man when it is raising.