Trunk lift conversion

[68stang351]

The other day when I got into the trunk of my 04GT, I started wondering about how easy it would be to convert my 68's trunk lid to lift supports, like the 04, instead of those stupid rods. It actually looks like it would be pretty simple.

I'm going to pick up a couple of trunk lid support shocks and experiment with them. I was just wondering if this has crossed anyone else's mind?
I think it will be cool with my Granada remote trunk release latch.

 

[Dothang67]

I thought about this once, but didn't have the chance to experiment, it would be great if its turns out easy. I also hate that when I open the trunk the lid goes up very fast, but maybe thats an adjustment issue.

Keep us posted with your progress

 

[68stang351]

I also hate that when I open the trunk the lid goes up very fast, but maybe thats an adjustment issue.

No, mine does it too. It scares the crap out of me sometimes.

 

[68coupe1]

Legendary Morors, the company that is building all of the Eleanors, makes a kit exactly like what you are talking about. Check it out on there web site. It looks pretty slick.

 

[68stang351]

Legendary Morors, the company that is building all of the Eleanors, makes a kit exactly like what you are talking about. Check it out on there web site. It looks pretty slick.

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out for ideas, but if I can make something myself, then I do it. If I believe I have the ability/creativity to build something myself instead of buying it, then that's what I do (unless they sell it cheaper than I can make it!). I take more pride in making stuff than just buying something. This all started when I didn't want to pay 900$ to JME for a gauge bezel. Mine looks as good as any JME I've ever seen.

 

[68coupe1]

The price they have on it isnt cheap for what it is. But , like you said, it is good for ideas. I think it was just for fastbacks also.

 

[gazoo]

I adapted a gas lift to lift/hold up the trunk on my 69 Mach 1. Used a half-worn-out lift from a hatchback in the wrecking yard - a Hyundai I think. Works fine, looks neat, cost about 10 bucks.

 

[68EFIvert]

I purchased a kit from a company called Aeroform. They make a kit for the hood and trunks for fastbacks and coupe/convert. Very nice product and works well for me. Aeroform.com

 

[truck90278]

We used some universal struts which are available from most parts houses. Used 100# struts (2), fabed a small bracked for the floor mount - used angle aluminum. As we have a fiberglass decklid, carved ouot a piece of aluminum to fit in the "u" shaped portion of the hindge. We made it a fairly snug fit and only required 1 bolt to hold it in place. The length and the spring rate will vary depending on where you mount/angle the bottom of the strut. Works great, we'll dig up some photos

 

[jb1dsl]

mustangs unlimited sells a kit for this, i believe it is a around 60 dollars

 

[C0V3R]

I made one using a gas lift from another. car Cost me about $10 and an hour or two.

 

[68stang351]

I ended up using the shocks from a 96 Mustang that someone gave me. I have nothing invested in it!

Man I forgot about this thread.

 

[chromedog]

my setup uses the struts and ball studs from a saab 93... comes up nice and slow, really slick. i think mine are 60 lb. struts.

 

[66HertzClone]

I've been thinking about this, I found a source for gas lifts that has charts giving left pressure, compressed and extended length, different options for mounting, and instructions on selecting and mounting them correctly. See it here, Gas Lifts

I looked at the kits offered and didn't like the floor mounting method. I would like to mount mine to the panel between the pass compartment and the interior of the trunk, or the underside of the body panel behind the rear window.

I made my own electric trunk latch release, but had trouble getting the trunk to latch when I closed it. I have since purchased this new electric release kit, Trunk release I didn't use the supplied switch, my unit was connected to a button under the dash and worked thru my key fob keyless entry system.

I'm also working on carpet with sound deadening backing to finish off the underside of the trunk lid. I plan to install a couple of LED lights, one near the latch and two others near the hinges on either side.