Oops! Broke the "J"-shaped post on my deck-lid

[frank]

I have finally been able to get my car out for drives although I am having issues with tuning my carbs. I think I am going to need someone to help me out.

I digress...

Yesterday evening I was out for a drive and needed to open my engine deck lid for a quick inspection when the screw on the driver's side that holds the deck-lid to the firewall fell out. The threads on the welded bracket had stripped out. Previously I had put in too long a bolt and the lid itself pushed on it and caused the issue. I put in a shorter one that caught on to the remaining threads but the damage had already been done.

Once that happens it is impossible to close the lid. I thought that maybe the bent bolt, post, whatever-it's-called was in the way and if I could turn it I would be able to close the lid and tape it just to get it home... I ended up breaking it off so now I need a replacement. I had to remove the deck lid and put it in my trunk so it wouldn't bounce around and bash up my paint on the drive home.

Any ideas?

I was thinking this morning that I may need to buy an entire deck lid and get it painted but I hope not. My lid looks like the PO had done some sloppy welding in that spot, so if there was an easy way to remove the post it's no longer possible due to the welding job. I think I can cut out a slot with my dremel and slip it out though. It is/was held tight with a 10mm nut.

I will have to find someone to weld-in a new nut on the firewall bracket. I ground the old nut down and can re-attach my deck lid now using a nut held in place with some quick-steel but it's rather pointless since my deck won't lock-down now.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Getting a used one from the Classifieds section is probably the most straightforward way to go.

You can also get a bolt (or stud?) and heat and bend it in a vise. But that may take a couple of tries to get it the right shape without damaging anything.

--DD

[PCA7GGR]

Is this the bracket you need? If so, PM me - thanks

[frank]

I see that a place out in Atlanta has these hooks for $10 used. I haven't had a chance to take a look at how to replace mine with consideration for the PO's welding work. I have been driving it around with the deck-lid off. I am going to consider the option of making my own hook with a vise as Dave mentioned.