C5 ZO6 or Conv Trunk Lid Spring

[Dakotavette]

For all of you Zo6 or convertable owners out there, has anyone ever figured out how to get the trunk lid to pop up higher so that it can be opened easier? I just added a trunk lid liner and when I pop the trunk, I can hear it pop, but when I go back to open it up, it is barely open and I can hardly get my finger in the opening to pull it open. It was hard to do sometimes even before I put the liner in. Has anyone got a solution?

[fatherlarry]

Welcome aboard Dakotavette!

It's a common problem with these trunks, especially in cold weather. Sometimes the cylinders wear out on right and left side. Replacing them usually solves the problem. Not an expensive fix. Also, there are two rubber stop adjusters. You can bring them up slightly to put some pressure on the lock assembly. Don't bring the up too far or you'll throw the alignment out. In warm weather make sure you keep a little grease on them so they don't stick. Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[Dakotavette]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I had thought about the two rubber bumpers and if it was possible to adjust them. That could be an option. Maybe someone else out there has another suggestion. It seems something like this would be pretty simple to fix.

[fatherlarry]

When I looked at your profile, I see you have an '04 Z06, so your vehicle is still under warranty. There is a bulletin out for the lock mechanism. The spring inside usually snaps and needs to be replaced. Not the spring, but the whole lock assembly. If you don't have auto body experience such as myself, then I wouldn't attempt doing this yourself, but bring it in to your local dealership. If it's not the lock, the lock may need to be moved, and I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself. You could throw the decklit out of line, and you may create a water leak, or if not aligned properly could cause damage to the tops of the quarter panel when you close it. Most likely it's one of two things...the cylinders on the hinges are worn, it only takes one to cause a problem, or the lock assembly has to be adjusted or replaced. If you attempt to do this yourself and cause any damage, you will void your warranty.

[Dakotavette]

Thanks again for the advice. It is winter in Fargo and the streets are covered with snow and ice so the vette is sitting in the garage resting. Being that it is cold outside, that could have an effect on the way the trunk opens, but my trunk lid liner could also be contributing to the lack of "pop." However, I just put it in when I put the car away for the winter and it was cold then. I will have to wait for warmer temps to see if it will pop enough to get my finger in there. Thanks.

[fatherlarry]

Depending on what brand trunk liner you may have, some might be heavier than others. I have a trunk liner that says Z06 and it's pretty light, so it didn't have any effect on it. Wait til spring and we can address it again. ;bt :usaribbon

[Hot Wheels]

Maybe a "Door Popper" would work. (Click on link or paste in browser to see)

http://www.julianos.com/door_poppers.html

I haven't tried one yet but these gas cylinders seem to be troublesome on all the cars I have them. Let me know if anybody has any experience with the "Door Popper" in different applications.

:shift: