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Hood springs - does anyone sell new?
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GregCon
Posted 2013-07-29 10:55 AM (#388234)
Subject: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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The good news is I thoroughly cleaned and lubed my hood hinges. The bad news is the springs were apparently counting on all the grit to help keep the hood up because now they will not allow the hood to stay up.

Has anyone identified a source for new and presumably stronger springs?

This is a for a 58 Chrysler.
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StillOutThere
Posted 2013-07-29 11:42 AM (#388236 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



2000100010010025
Location: Under the X in Texas
At one time the Chrysler 300 Club Int'l made hood springs for the '57-59 300 Letter Cars. But that was at least a decade ago. It would not be a difficult project to get some small spring manufacturer to duplicate from an existing spring, just as the club did.
Part of the problem is more than age and the fact the springs are drawn open in closed position 99.9% of their life time: the rest is that restoration often adds a few layers of primer and paint to the weight and sometimes glazing putty to get out hail or other dents.
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DeMopar
Posted 2013-07-29 12:09 PM (#388240 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: RE: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?


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GregCon - 2013-07-29 10:55 AM

The good news is I thoroughly cleaned and lubed my hood hinges. The bad news is the springs were apparently counting on all the grit to help keep the hood up because now they will not allow the hood to stay up.

Has anyone identified a source for new and presumably stronger springs?

This is a for a 58 Chrysler.



Will springs from a later, more readily available model work?

In the mean time you could attempt to tighten the hinges a bit by removing them and beating in the peened-over ends of the rivets. That will work as long as they are not too worn.




Edited by DeMopar 2013-07-29 12:10 PM
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GregCon
Posted 2013-07-29 12:23 PM (#388242 - in reply to #388240)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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This was pretty much a straight apples-apples cleaning. I didn't change the hood at all. I'll note the hood never stayed up that well before but it never was in fear of falling either. Now if you open the hood and poke your head under it, you'll be rethinking your life's priorities in about 3 seconds.

No peening of rivets for me...the hinges are freshly painted.
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DeMopar
Posted 2013-07-29 2:43 PM (#388257 - in reply to #388242)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?


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GregCon - 2013-07-29 12:23 PM

This was pretty much a straight apples-apples cleaning. I didn't change the hood at all. I'll note the hood never stayed up that well before but it never was in fear of falling either. Now if you open the hood and poke your head under it, you'll be rethinking your life's priorities in about 3 seconds.

No peening of rivets for me...the hinges are freshly painted.



I don't blame you there! Definitely not worth it.
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GregCon
Posted 2013-07-29 7:34 PM (#388291 - in reply to #388257)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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I've asked a spring maker to bid some to me...
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Powerflite
Posted 2013-07-30 1:13 AM (#388356 - in reply to #388291)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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I just ran across this myself. I was going to try http://www.centuryspring.com
They have springs that are close to what you need, but not exact. You might try something that is close for around $28 each or you could ask them to make up something custom. I was going to do that, but I ended up finding a used set for about the same amount.
Does anyone know if the '57-'59 Dodge/Plymouth hood springs are the same as the Chrysler/DeSoto? If so, that would open up more possibilities.
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StillOutThere
Posted 2013-07-30 7:23 AM (#388374 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Location: Under the X in Texas
Let's realize that each hood spring is engineered for that exact application: the length of the hood, weight of the hood, the angle it is to be held open, the length of spring needed to attach when closed and when stretched open. This springs are VERY specific to the cars.

And the longer the hood (as in years where both long and short wheelbase models are made) the heavier the spring. For example, the '57 DeSoto Firedome /Flite /Adventurer hood is longer and heavier than the '57 DS Firesweep so they have different springs.
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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2013-07-30 8:36 AM (#388383 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Couldn't you make (for the time being) a couple of strong, but inconspicuous little 'clamps', that would hold together 2 or 3 rings of the spring, therefore making it a little stronger again?

Or perhaps insert a smaller (helper) spring inside the originals to increase their strength a bit?

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GregCon
Posted 2013-07-30 9:00 AM (#388386 - in reply to #388383)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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For sure, the spring can't be too light or too heavy. But, like most things, there is some tolerance in it all. I hope to find a spring that gets me in that region.

For now, my temporary fix comes from the forest, not the mine.
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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2013-07-30 9:39 AM (#388390 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Nature can be a great source for fixes.
I've run around with a nature-provided wheelparkingbrake for years in my '62 wagon
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Powerflite
Posted 2013-07-30 3:13 PM (#388439 - in reply to #388386)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Tolerance, yes. And my original springs are a little on the light side. I noticed that it is easy to find a spring that is a little too short, but yet has ample amount of extension capability. I would choose something like that because being shorter will give you more force when it is extended. Make sure you pick "music wire" as the material and not stainless.

But a piece of dead tree carcass works wonders too as long as you don't bump it.
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GregCon
Posted 2013-07-30 4:05 PM (#388443 - in reply to #388439)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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ah..that is interesting you mention music wire as I have been wondering what material they used. The spring guy was of the opinion it would be music wire but there are other carbon steels used for springs so I wasn't sure.
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DIF-RNT
Posted 2013-07-30 8:47 PM (#388487 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Don't lube them
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miquelonbrad
Posted 2013-08-01 9:14 AM (#388810 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Most often, the spring is not the issue...if you were to take your hinge apart, you will most likely find that the rivets are worn, and the holes are oblonged and loose. And the rivets do effect the ability of the hinge to keep the hood up. I had mine rebuilt by SMS Restorations in Derry, NH and now they work fine.
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d500neil
Posted 2013-08-01 2:51 PM (#388872 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

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I, too, made the mistake, long-ago, of applying lubricant to H.'s hood hinges.

Big mistake [-J. Roberts]; but I was able to de-grease them and they've lived on for decades of service, since then.
a stiff hood/bonnet is a happy guy.










Edited by d500neil 2013-08-01 5:54 PM
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GregCon
Posted 2014-01-28 10:27 AM (#424498 - in reply to #388356)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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I decided I was tired of using a dowel to hold up the hood so I went to a local spring maker with an old original spring and asked if they could make some. They were very friendly..in fact they made some and didn't charge me anything.

They are not exact reproductions of the originals - slightly shorter and the hook is a little different. They made them a little shorter to gain some initial tension at my request. I wanted to try to eliminate the way the hood opens then sags down a little before it holds.

But I installed them and I doubt anyone will ever know...plus the hood works perfectly now and stays open all by itself which is something we tend to take for granted....

If there were enough people who needed springs I'd be tempted to have a batch made?????



(hood springs.jpg)



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Attachments hood springs.jpg (158KB - 211 downloads)
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soiouz
Posted 2014-01-28 11:29 AM (#424507 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: RE: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Good idea to have some made. I might be in for a set, depending on price. My own hood springs could need a bit of help.

Edited by soiouz 2014-01-28 12:59 PM
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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2014-01-28 4:05 PM (#424567 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Greg would you advise to lube the hinges after mounting these springs?
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57burb
Posted 2014-01-28 5:09 PM (#424577 - in reply to #424507)
Subject: RE: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Greg, I'm interested in a pair. One of mine was broken in two pieces when I got the car. Please let me know if you decide to have a batch made.
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GregCon
Posted 2014-01-28 5:11 PM (#424579 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Sure...my hinges are lubed up and the hood goes up and down silently and smoothly.

As a reference...I gave them a 58 NY spring which is the rusty one shown. As you can see, the new ones are a little shorter. But, when I removed my 58 Saratoga springs, they are actually just the same length as the new ones. It could be that Chrysler used different lengths but I suspect it is more a case of production tolerances.


I'll see what kind of price they would charge for a batch of springs. They were really nice....not only did they make these for free, when I told the guy I had a Desoto as well he made a second set for free for that one!






(hood hinge spring.jpg)



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Attachments hood hinge spring.jpg (78KB - 225 downloads)
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57plybel
Posted 2014-01-29 12:46 AM (#424645 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: RE: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Nice job Greg and worth the effort too....  I'd be interested in a pair if they became available, thanks!

 

Colin

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miquelonbrad
Posted 2014-01-29 11:04 PM (#424815 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Put me down for a couple pairs...
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GregCon
Posted 2014-03-31 1:30 PM (#433993 - in reply to #424815)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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I had the local spring shop make a batch of springs, enough for about 30 cars. Here's what I can tell you:

1) Made by a USA business with 40+ years experience
2) Very similar to originals, not perfect reproductions but very, very close.
3) On my '58 Chrysler they work perfectly - not too much or too little tension. The hood stays open, and closes smoothly.
4) I've had two spring 'experts' tell me the original Chrysler spring design exceeds industry standards for stretch and I believe it. The springs are being stretched more than they should, but that's life, no way to easily change that.
5) See photo for my homemade spring installer. Cheap, works great and is safe....these springs have a lot of energy and you don't want to have one come loose on you. This tool works with the hood in place....a set of springs can be changed out in half an hour. The tool also works as a stretcher so you can paint the spring...though of course it only stretches one at a time.
6) The springs are unpainted steel so you will need to paint them whatever color you wish.
7) There is no particular guarantee on these but if you get a set and are unhappy for some reason you can send them back and I will return your money minus shipping costs.
8) I don't know what years these will or won't fit, but they do fit my 57 Desoto and 58 Chrysler.

I am unsure of shipping but I think that two will fit into a fixed rate USPS box so I will explore that later. I'm guessing less than $10 a pair. If you are out of the US shipping costs will be 'actual'.

I will offer these here to FL members first. If any are left I will list them on Ebay at a higher price to offset Ebay's fees. I will get my Paypal account working again if you want to pay that way, or a personal check is fine. The price is $28.00 per set of 2 which is less than a dollar more than what I have in them...so IMO it's great deal if you need a fresh set of springs.

I will post later today details on ordering.

Edited by GregCon 2014-03-31 1:33 PM




(hood springs.jpg)



(hinge spring tool.jpg)



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Attachments hood springs.jpg (108KB - 219 downloads)
Attachments hinge spring tool.jpg (188KB - 240 downloads)
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jimntempe
Posted 2014-03-31 4:11 PM (#434005 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Here's how I have done spring removal/installation in the past. Open hood, Prop it up cuz when you take a spring off it won't stay up!!!. Use a fan belt to pull the old spring/install the new. When the hood is open there actually isn't very much tension on the spring so it's relatively easy to pull it over the "hook" and take it off/put it on.





(firebird helper spring photo - removing orig.JPG)



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Attachments firebird helper spring photo - removing orig.JPG (156KB - 201 downloads)
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GregCon
Posted 2014-03-31 6:24 PM (#434031 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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I checked and two springs will fit into a small flat rate box. But four won't. Let's assume I can find a small box that will hold 4 if that need arises.

Within the 48 states:
Two springs - $28 + 6 shipping
Four springs - $56 + 10 shipping
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ttotired
Posted 2014-03-31 6:31 PM (#434032 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Good luck with the "Spring Sale"

I took mine off with this





(Dash Removal 40 small (3).jpg)



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The Adventurer
Posted 2014-03-31 7:00 PM (#434043 - in reply to #434031)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

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Hey Greg , I will buy 2 sets for my 2 desotos (4 springs) , I will PM you details now . Check your messages here
cheers and thanks for going to the effort
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jimntempe
Posted 2014-03-31 7:09 PM (#434046 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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ANother way I've removed springs is to position the hood so the spring is well stretched, then put "things" like combo wrenches, screwdrivers, etc, between the coils (like you'd slip a feeler gauge between a set of points). Then when you move the hood to a position where the spring isn't so stretched all the stuff you slipped in prevents it from contracting and you can just slip it out. I've removed those long garage door springs that way too.
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ttotired
Posted 2014-03-31 7:34 PM (#434052 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Just a thing about those springs, there is a lot of energy in them once you stretch them a bit, however you rmove them, respect them or they will bite you

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GregCon
Posted 2014-03-31 9:09 PM (#434065 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Yeah, I don't want to see anyone lose their ability to have kids over this!
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The Adventurer
Posted 2014-03-31 10:55 PM (#434084 - in reply to #434043)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



Elite Veteran,, James Passed away March 2021, He will be Missed

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Desoto "Spring" Special lol
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57plybel
Posted 2014-04-01 4:29 AM (#434115 - in reply to #434084)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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GregCon, PM sent, thanks !

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60 dart
Posted 2014-04-01 6:09 PM (#434186 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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i take em off with a brake spring tool --------------------------------------------------------later
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1960fury
Posted 2014-04-01 7:10 PM (#434196 - in reply to #434186)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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another approach that should always work: you can modify the linkage a bit so the hood is at an greater angle when open. the bigger the angle, the less the tendency to drop.
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GregCon
Posted 2014-04-10 7:04 PM (#435382 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Just an update...the springs are about half gone. It seems that for most countries outside of the US the postage is $37.10 for 4 springs. So far no one outside the US has bought less than 4, or more than 4, so I don't know any other costs!
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tnlowrider
Posted 2016-01-18 1:22 PM (#501556 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: RE: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Just a shout out to GregCon in appreciation. These work great! My hood was holding fine until I attached that massive jet ornament. It was just enough weight imbalance to cause the hood not to stay up on its own. I'm very glad I had purchased a set of these springs. Thanks for having them made.



(1213151018 small.jpg)



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Attachments 1213151018 small.jpg (59KB - 184 downloads)
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udoittwo
Posted 2016-01-19 9:18 AM (#501622 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: RE: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?


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Count the coils, measure the length and the wire diameter then go on Epay and ask for info on all the different ones that are listed that have the same coil #. I matched up some that were for another car for my old Chevy. IF I couldn't find one, I would call some one like Reading Springs or some spring company. ReadingSprings[Reading, Pa.] is an old company and as I recall, they used to have tons of assorted springs they can match up. Who knows, they may have a bunch of them collecting dust that you could buy and resell?
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GregCon
Posted 2016-03-02 9:10 AM (#505616 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Thanks TNT. That sure is a fine looking Desoto!
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ToMopar
Posted 2016-03-18 7:06 AM (#507201 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



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Here is a picture of my version of Greg' springs

Edited by ToMopar 2016-03-18 7:08 AM




(2998c.jpg)



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GregCon
Posted 2017-03-17 11:35 AM (#536114 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



Expert

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Wow, ToMopar, I just saw this post from a year ago. That plating job looks great. It's hard to find anyone here that can do that quality work on a piece by piece basis.
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ToMopar
Posted 2017-03-18 8:31 AM (#536150 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



Elite Veteran

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Thanks Greg for the kind words
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GregCon
Posted 2017-08-03 4:41 PM (#545505 - in reply to #388234)
Subject: Re: Hood springs - does anyone sell new?



Expert

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Just a follow up...I have about 3 sets of springs left...if anyone wants some. $45 includes shipping within the 48 states. These are for 57-58 full size FL cars, might fit 59 also.
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