rear decklid hinge modification

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does anybody have a modification to the rear decklid (engine) hinges so it opens more for easier access to the engine
thanks

[John Moxon]

[[email protected]]

i just want the lid to open more so it is easier to get to the motor

[Era Vulgaris]

If you look at the lower bracket that the spring attaches to on the firewall, you'll see several holes. Your springs are probably on one of the lower settings, like this one taken from the gallery. If you put the springs on a higher up hole, your decklid will stay open at a higher position.
You'll have to squeeze the spring arm with vice grips, and be careful because there is spring tension involved. I had to do this on the 67 I owned about 5 years ago. I don't recall whether it was difficult to move the springs, but I did do it so it couldn't have been too difficult

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Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD

Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue

[[email protected]]

i am not an expert but i think the spring adjustment is to adjust the tension on the spring to make sure it stays open (depending on the weight of the deck lid)
what i want to do is make the lid open more
the crotch of the hinge bracket that attaches to the lid hits the bracket to stop it from opening further
i need to modify that part to allow the lid to open more

[sputnick60]

There's less engineering effort for those big jobs that warrant extra access if you just unbolt the deckled from the car. Most of the other maintenance points on the engine are hanging out the back within easy reach..... unless you're 8ft tall with a fused spine.

Nicholas
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'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
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[Evil_Fiz]

[[email protected]]

that looks like a great option
you got me intrigued now - i am going to create a like original solution
i will let you know what i come up with

are there any dimensioned drawings of the original hinges available?

[Evil_Fiz]

[Era Vulgaris]

[chink13]

i wonder if a flip flop truck kit would work on a ghia. it certainly would be very cool

[toddb_67]

Why not eliminate the springs completely and fabricate a couple of brackets and install some trunk lift support struts? To make the opening bigger one would just need to adjust where the brackets go and get a longer lift strut.
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1970 Pastel White Westfalia
1971 Super Beetle Convertible (sold) http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=582365&highlight=
1970 Squareback "Savanna" (sold)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=714683
1974 Karmann Ghia- current project, 1967cc engine. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=775207
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