79 midget trunk lid

[budk1953]

My 79 Midget trunk lid does not seem to close right. It always sticks up on the driver side near the hinge (closer support side). I thought it was just mine but I just looked at Blackjokr's pics on another post and it seems it may be a common problem (great looking Midget by the way).Is there a simple fix, I don't want to shim if at all possible. Would changing the closer to a hydraulic piston type help?

 

[jlaird]

Bend it back correct, use a 2x4 for leverage. Thats the way the dealers did it.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Often, the problem is caused by the hinge being bent and not the lid itself. YOu can check this by taking the hinge loose and seeing how the lid sits. Usually only the driver's side hinge is affected.

 

[spritenut]

Trying to close the lid with the prop still up will bend either the hinge or the frame of the lid at the hinge every time.

 

[srvtribute]

After reading your post, I immediately ran to my 77 Midget.
The crooked trunk is an eyesore! Mine stuck up on the driver's side, like many I've seen. I was able to open the trunk, while standing behind it, and pull up on the right side while pushing down the left. These hinges aren't mounted to anything substantial. It went perfectly into place. Oh well, one less thing to daydream about. NEXT!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[caseyjones955]

This hydraulic closer cyl is still a good idea. Has anyone tried this. My trunk frame is bent and allows the trunk to sit up in the left also. I had planned on bending the trunk straight and removing it to weld in some reinforcement.

Tony

 

[Baz]

I did the 2 x 4: Quick, dirty and did exactly what I thought it would do:
Make a heck of noise but straightened that lid out like it was never off kilter, another Jack Laird slice of wisdom that sounds harsh, but did the job.

 

[jlaird]

Way to go Baz.