Trunk Support Kit for MK4

[mlewis]

Hey all,

I was thinking of picking up one of Mikes (Replicaparts.com) Trunk support kit for an MK4. I like the set-up.

http://replicaparts.com/new%20style%20trun%20support%20kit%20page.htm

Anybody have experience with this kit on an MK4 ?

Does it take up much room in the upper trunk area ?

Any feedback is appreciated.

[i.e.427]

Mike's trunk kit is awesome! Make sure you order the right one. We recently did a MK4 and modified the trunk, so we ended up ordering a MK3 kit. If you're running everything as shipped from Factory 5 you'll need the MK4 kit.

Frank

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Sits pretty high up & does not take up any real room. Works very well. Good picture of them in my MkIV without the body.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=106280&d=1556086326

[GoDadGo]

OOoooo!

I smell an upgrade when the body gets yanked for paint.

Thanks For Posting All!

[edwardb]

Looks like I'll be in the minority here. I used the Mk4 kit from Mike on my #7750 build. Mike is great to work with and I've used a bunch of his stuff. It does what it's supposed to and is relatively tight against the top of the trunk so mostly out of the way. However, I struggled to get the trunk lid to sit down flush with the body when closed. The struts push against the hinges when closed, and I tried everything to adjust the hinges but never could get it completely flat. Including taking the bulb seal out and adjusting the lid as far down below the body as it would go. Still with the struts attached it ended slightly above. I haven't seen this posted much of but have talked to a couple other builders who experienced the same thing. Maybe others figured it out better than me, e.g. a better location for the pivot on the hinge. Or found a better way to adjust. But just be aware of this from my experience. Your experience may vary. I used a latching type prop rod on my #8674 build. Not as elegant and requires you to push the latch to close. Works OK, is out of the way when closed, and puts zero pressure on the hinges. But definitely a little more work to install.

Another possibility is Factory Five now has a somewhat similar trunk prop option. I haven't seen it in person, but have seen it mentioned and pictured in several build threads. They've modified the hinges and added a connection for the struts and locate the other ends up by cockpit back wall, similar to Mike's design. I'm curious if they addressed the geometry of the strut connection on the hinges so they go over center (like the hood hinges) so aren't pushing the front edge of the trunk lid up up when closed. Something you may want to check.

[mlewis]

Thanks all for the feedback.

Paul noted on the force against the trunk latch. I was wondering if that would be an issue. I'll take a look at the FFR option before I commit.

[DadofThree]

(Found this Thread (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?21846-Show-me-your-trunk-prop-rods!) if your looking for options)


I use a Home Depot $4.95 Dual Purpose Trunk Support Rod (WARNING: MUST have Thick Skin to use, but it gets it done) ;)

https://live.staticflickr.com/1740/42158788594_a6223882e6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/27eqP4q)20180606_200432 (https://flic.kr/p/27eqP4q) by D. R. (https://www.flickr.com/photos/annabellerose/), on Flickr

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Thanks all for the feedback.

Paul noted on the force against the trunk latch. I was wondering if that would be an issue. I'll take a look at the FFR option before I commit.

You can always swap the struts out for lighter ones if the trunk lid is under too much pressure when closed.

[edwardb]

Thanks all for the feedback.

Paul noted on the force against the trunk latch. I was wondering if that would be an issue. I'll take a look at the FFR option before I commit.

Not the latch, the hinges. There's no pressure on the latch. Again though, full disclosure, this was my experience. Others may not have any issues with it.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Yes, the cylinders act upon the hinge arms and push the forward edge of the lid upward when it's closed. I've had guys take their cars home, add the struts and found that the trunk lid suddenly didn't fit properly---then when they disconnected the struts it all went back to good! You can mostly adjust to compensate for it though. FFR has used 3 different hinge arms on the Mk4 and the earlier thick "C" shaped ones seem to be more prone to doing it than the later squared off ones. Must be some sort of a geometry change????

It might just be coincidence but I wonder whether Mike has changed to softer cylinders because recent ones that I've had don't cause the front edge of the lid to pop up as much when the cylinders are connected...but on the down side they just barely hold the lid open. Maybe Mike will see this and respond.

I've not had my hands on one with the FFR "bayonet" shaped hinge arms and cylinders but will be interested in seeing if the geometry change with the cylinder acting on the hinge pivot from the other direction eliminates the problem.

Jeff

[GoDadGo]

Dad Of Three,

This Dad Of Three Will Look Into Purchasing A Huge A__ Umbrella From Amazon after seeing your solution!
I have an old Corvette Prop-Rod from an early C-4 that I will likely install, but I Always Love Ideas That Are Multi-Purpose!
If anyone wants to buy Corvette Prop-Rod assembly, they can be purchased new from Ecklers Corvettes.

https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corvette-hood-support-1984-1986.html?crosssell=Product_Viewed#close

Steve

[swwebb]

I use Breeze's trunk prop rod

https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/trunk-prop-rod-kit-stainless-steel-30-long/

Simple and efficient.

[BB767]

I use Breeze's trunk prop rod

https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/trunk-prop-rod-kit-stainless-steel-30-long/

Simple and efficient.

I like this idea, can you tell me how the fixed end mounts? Looks like a hole drilled through the frame rail? What holds it in? Can it be easily mounted in a finished trunk (carpet installed)? Close up pictures of yours installed would be nice. Thanks.

[ckrueger]

Used it on mine and didn't have any issues.

[Norm B]

Like edwardb, I used the Finish Line prop rod. The rod comes with no instructions. Here’s a link to an old thread on this subject. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?21846-Show-me-your-trunk-prop-rods!&highlight=Trunk+lid+prop.

The thread covers the subject well and you will find my post on how I installed it.

HTH

Norm

[Jdav]

I like this idea, can you tell me how the fixed end mounts? Looks like a hole drilled through the frame rail? What holds it in? Can it be easily mounted in a finished trunk (carpet installed)? Close up pictures of yours installed would be nice. Thanks.

I used this as well. Carpet wont be an issue, but you do need to get to the back side. Its a challenge if you have the drop trunk, but not impossible.
I can't recall exactly what connects it behind the trunk wall though.

[skidd]

I did my own variant of this gas strut trunk prop.
One specifically designed to NOT push on the trunk when it's closed.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?28194-Trunk-Prop-with-Gas-Struts

[michael everson]

I am starting to steer people away from mine and into FFRs. There locating point on the hinge takes all the stress off the trunk lid. I can easily duplicate that.
Mike

[Papa]

I used Mike's kit and don't see any issue with the trunk getting pushed up. The struts are very light and require very little force to close the trunk. My hinges are the more square shaped ones.

Dave

[BadAsp427]

I have the FFR trunk struts and do not seem to have any problems. I will say that they only hold the trunk in the full open position. They will not hold them, say at half way open. The trunk will just lower down. It is not like the hood that will pretty much open up as soon as you start to lift it open. Either way, they are up and out of the way and I actually installed them after having the body on. A little tight up in there, but not too bad and if you do not have the cubby hole that I have it would be much easier.
HERE IS (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?29472-Carl-s-20th-Anniversary-8690-Street-Legal-Gel-Coat-Driver&p=350101&viewfull=1#post350101)a link to my build thread on the subject. Hope it helps.

FFR Part Number 16590

[mlewis]

Thanks all for the input.

Thanks Mike for your open feedback [QUOTE][I am starting to steer people away from mine and into FFRs. There locating point on the hinge takes all the stress off the trunk lid. I can easily duplicate that./QUOTE]

I'll take a look at their offering (I still need to order a bunch of other parts from you:))

I can't seem to find the FFR on trunk support on their website. Anyone have a part number or link on this ?

Thanks again,

Mark

[edwardb]

I can't seem to find the FFR on trunk support on their website. Anyone have a part number or link on this ?

Mark

I looked too and didn't see it in their on-line catalog. Not everything is on-line. You'll have to call them.

[BadAsp427]

FF Part number 16590

[PhoneGUy]

I am starting to steer people away from mine and into FFRs. There locating point on the hinge takes all the stress off the trunk lid. I can easily duplicate that.
Mike

Hello Mike - How would this be achieved? I have your trunk support kit on my MK4 and I would be interested in modifying what I have to help with the alignment of my trunk. Other then the alignment issue, your trunk support kit is a good solution.
Thanks, Bob

[michael everson]

Bob. you could order the new hinge arms from FFR and use the rest of my kit.
Mike

[swwebb]

I like this idea, can you tell me how the fixed end mounts? Looks like a hole drilled through the frame rail? What holds it in? Can it be easily mounted in a finished trunk (carpet installed)? Close up pictures of yours installed would be nice. Thanks.

Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed.

106352 106353 106354

[AC Bill]

Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed

I like that set up.
Is the rod end catcher, attached to the trunk lid with two sided tape?

[swwebb]

I like that set up.
Is the rod end catcher, attached to the trunk lid with two sided tape?

I really like the setup as well. I had to cut the prop rod from Breeze a little - about 2 inches, but that was easy.

Yes - two-sided tape.

[BB767]

Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed.

106352 106353 106354

I see, very nice. Thanks for the pics.

[Railroad]

Quick question, does the complete kit come with a trunk prop rod?

[Papa]

Quick question, does the complete kit come with a trunk prop rod?

It didn't when I bought mine.

[mlewis]

Anybody got a couple of pic's to share on the FF Part number 16590 ?

Thanks

[edwardb]

Quick question, does the complete kit come with a trunk prop rod?

It's a $99 option on the order sheet.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Here's the hinge arm for FFR's gas cylinder trunk lid support:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=106378&d=1553484878

As can be seen, when the lid is closed the cylinder pressure will be applied in line with and forward of the hinge pivot.

Jeff

[ckrueger]

I took another look at my trunk lid with Mike's struts. Sits flat and flush. I have the Mark IV curved arms.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I took another look at my trunk lid with Mike's struts. Sits flat and flush. I have the Mark IV curved arms.

Maybe you should buy your body & paint guy a beer ;)

Jeff

[mlewis]

Here's the hinge arm for FFR's gas cylinder trunk lid support:

Thanks for the picture. Does the FFR kit come with the struts ?

[Kpt112]

I used a simple brake line pipe with a rubber tip as a prop for my trunk. Cost me $1.00 for the rubber tip. I also connected the pipe to the body by making a simple bend and using a cotter pin and some washers. Pretty low tech and cheap.

Good Luck

[ckrueger]

Maybe you should buy your body & paint guy a beer ;)

Jeff

Anytime my man!!!!!!

[SSNK4US]

Here's the hinge arm for FFR's gas cylinder trunk lid support:

As can be seen, when the lid is closed the cylinder pressure will be applied in line with and forward of the hinge pivot.

Jeff

Jeff do you think that configuration will stop what you and Paul were talking about on the trunk alignment situation?

Kurt

[bilwil]

Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed.

106352 106353 106354

Do you have the contact info for the other member who made the parts to mount and retain the rod? I really like the look of this set up and would gladly pay him for these pieces.

Thanks!

Bill

[swwebb]

Bill,

I'll contact him to see if it's OK to give out his info.

[bilwil]

Bill,

I'll contact him to see if it's OK to give out his info.

Thank you sir!

[mburger]

My ol’ Mk1 came with this fancy trunk lid support.
107067
107068

[japollon]

I got this simple prop rod from Lokar. Fabbed a bracket and all seems to work well. Just my 2 cents. Joel

107069

[karlos]

Bill,

I'll contact him to see if it's OK to give out his info.


Interested as well. Assuming you get the ok, can you include me too, please?

Thank you.

-Karl

[swwebb]

Thank you sir!

For info on the modified prop rod supports, contact Dave Albertalli - his email is dalbertalli@comcast.net.

He's not on this forum much - mostly on the other one.

[bilwil]

For info on the modified prop rod supports, contact Dave Albertalli - his email is dalbertalli@comcast.net.

He's not on this forum much - mostly on the other one.

Thanks!!! I just sent him an email!

Bill

[bilwil]

Thanks!!! I just sent him an email!

Bill

Awesome fast service. My new prop rod mounting kit arrived this weekend and I will be installing it this weekend!

Will post pics as soon as I finish it.

Thanks!

Bill

[AC Bill]

Awesome fast service. My new prop rod mounting kit arrived this weekend and I will be installing it this weekend!

So what prop rod will you use for it? Are the mounts designed for a pre-existing rod you can purchase?



a decent solution for mounting it.

[swwebb]

The prop rod mounting kit from Dave Albertalli is made for Breeze's trunk prop rod

https://www.breezeautomotive.com/sho...steel-30-long/

as mentioned in my earlier posts #12 and #26.