Removing hood springs

[jgroce1985]

Hey guys if you have an original hood that isn't warped would you suggest pulling the springs from the hinges and installing a prop rod to keep this from ever happening? Just seeing your thoughts thanks.

[Bob Gaines]

Hey guys if you have an original hood that isn't warped would you suggest pulling the springs from the hinges and installing a prop rod to keep this from ever happening? Just seeing your thoughts thanks.

If you feel paranoid about the hood warp thing you could always unhook the springs and carry around a wooden prop rod or equivalent to use to keep the hood open. You could reconnect the springs for show and tell.  I had a 69 that the springs would flex the hood enough when it was shut that I only connected them when I had to leave the hood open. I have others that don't have the flex.  I got real quick disconnecting and re connecting springs every time I opened my hood and didn't use a prop rod. I could do both springs in about a minute and half.  A tire J hook became my go to tool when I did the disconnect re connect . I would definitely suggest not to "install" a prop rod. Carry one if you need to when leaving the hood open but do not do any kind of permanent installation is my advice. 

[J_Speegle]

I've kept,used a short section (may be 4-6" long) of vinyl coated chain. Slip a screw driver in one end link and slip the other over the other end and pull a little.  After a while the vinyl will tear through on that end so you just cut the last link off and use the next one.  Maybe a little shade tree but a quick, easy to store tool when you need it

[papa scoops]

both good ideas, but the slip factor and risk of chipping the paint. be careful. phred

[silverton_ford]

I have seen a used belt used to pull the spring on.

[Darrpo]

I have used a fan belt for years. If you never tried one, give it a try and you will never use anything else to remove or connect the hood springs

[jgroce1985]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm thinking I will go ahead and remove them. I know on my 69 Hertz car the hood was in real bad shape and I would hate to run into that issue again.