Trunk hinge torsion rod rollers

[mrbuick65]

Has anyone ever had to replaced the rollers on these rods? My 65 has a lot of binding when opening and closing the trunk lid. The hole in the rollers appear to be worn egg shaped and well oversize. They are not seized. Lubricating does not help and actually makes it worse.  My parts book shows these rollers were only used in 64 and 65.  Any help would be appreciated.
John

[dsags]

Yeah. Same problem on my convertible. Don't think anyone reproduces them either. 

[mrbuick65]

Hey guys. Found a set of what to appear to be good used rollers. They were in in a 64 Beaumont in a scrap yard. The trunk lid moved up and down smoothly as did the rollers move. I pryed the bars out with some difficuly. Wasn`t too particular as the car was scrap. The rollers still had grease.  Does anyone know the correct way to take the bars out and replace them? Looks like I may be taking the car to the body shop.
Thanks, John

[dsags]

http://65gs.com/64-72%20GM%20Body%20Service%20Manual/1965%20BODY%20SERVICE%20MANUALindex.html

In the electronic garage check the Body Service Manual page 385.

[sjfd04]

John

It is not difficult if you have the tool used to place tension on the rods.  I found the plans to make the tool, I think in the body manual.  It is basically a flat piece steel with grooves in it that allow you to grab the rod.  I will see if I can locate the plans for you.

Tom

[Brian]

You can repair the existing rollers by chucking them in a lathe, drilling the center hole out round, then pressing in a brass sleeve that is the right inside diameter to fit on the rod. 

[Loren At 65GS]

 
Brian,
  You always come up with some good solutions.
  Loren

[Weldar]

Just removed the torsion rods the other day. Here is a pic of the tool I fabricated based on the drawing in the manual. Nice idea on turning the rollers and installing a bushing - now I have reason for another tool! I wanted to remove the hinges as well but don't see how to do this based on the instructions in the manual. The hinge pin looks to be scored on the end and because of this I think it must have been installed on the support bracket that ties into the body above and the inner wheel well before being installed on the car. Maybe I need to look at it closer.

John - I have a set of roller from a donor car if you are still looking. Not sure what condition they are in though.

Dwaine

[mrbuick65]

Thanks for all the help guys. That picture of the tool is great. On further looking through a 65 fischer body manual I found the same picture. I`m going to fabricate that tool in the next while and will let you know. As for bushing existing rollers, my originals have flats worn on the outside so they are trash. I have a good used set .
John

[mrbuick65]

Had the tool made up on Friday and replaced the rollers on Sunday. Needed a helper but an easy job.
Thanks guys.
John