Busted Trunk Hinge

Rala · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2006, 06:11 PM

My 78 Spider broke off the trunk hinge to sping bar connector. It appears to be a large tac welded rivet. It appears to be solid. Any ideas on repairing? Is it easier to drill out the center and bolt the connector on? Or can I chisel off the "rivet"? Always something interesting with Italian engineering.

thanks

Bob

**ossodiseppia** · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2006, 07:08 PM

Where did it break, at the pivot or the little arm? A picture would be nice so we could see how it is broken.

Rala · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 05:25 AM

It broke at the pivot on the hinge. Pictures are easier said than done. My 14 year borrowed my camera for the weekend.

autoxsteve · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rala

My 78 Spider broke off the trunk hinge to sping bar connector.

Rala · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 02:38 PM

Ok I got the pictures up.

autoxsteve · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 02:52 PM

Looks like the attachment between the swivel bracket and hinge arm has failed. You might want to try and replace it with a shoulder bolt. That also was the cause of the trunk springs to fail on our car. The fastener/rivet bound up which caused the bracket that holds the springs to the car body (ceiling of trunk forward of trunk lid) to bend.

I took the easy route and just removed it all.

Maybe someone else can chime in with a tech tip to help us both...

**ossodiseppia** · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 03:33 PM

I think it could be fixed by welding. It looks like the washer that holds the arm to the pivot popped off. If you have the washer, or one like it, you might take it to a welder and see if he can fix you up.

Rala · #8 (**permalink**) 09-26-2006, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the replies.
In looking at the "good" one, with the angle between the spring bar and the pivot point on the hinge thru the connector bracket, I'm surprised it lasted this long. It really is just and industrial strength pop rivet. Out with the drill an in with a shoulder bolt. Oh by the way the odd spotting in the picture is because the car started life as a blonde. A PO and Earl Scheib decided it needed to be black.

4C2Litre · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2006, 06:06 PM

I meant to post pictures to this thread awhile back. As usual, life got in the way.

The trunk hinge broke on my Spider.

Here is what Benny did to fix it. (John's Alfa Romance on Pico, Los Angeles.) I'm not mechanically inclined but it looks like it could be a DIY if you have the patience and equipment.

sparky · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2006, 06:23 PM

That looks much more sturdy, mine broke at the rod just as it hooks into the hinge, I thought about putting some lift cylinders like on most new cars.

jamesacly · #11 (**permalink**) 04-29-2008, 07:46 AM

Sparky - can you give me some details on your use of gas cylinders on your trunk lid? My '85 Spider doesn't have the spring, the PO made a wood prop rod I'd like to replace. Thanks in advance