Contemplating a trunk lid swap

[human]

As my signature suggests, the paint on my car is not the greatest. This summer, I've been doing a fair amount of sanding and rattle can touch-ups with a reasonable amount of success. It's far from perfect, but a hell of a lot better than it was. The biggest thing left to do is the trunk lid, which is missing maybe 60-70 percent of its paint.

So today I was out at Pull-A-Part getting a power antenna for my car and the donor was a white '92 model with paint far better than my '95, especially the trunk lid. Anyway, I got this crazy idea while I was out that it might be easier and turn out better if were to swap my deck lid for that one. After all, washing and waxing is definitely easier than sanding and painting. I could get the deck lid for about $25 if I strip off the accessories (tail lights, spoiler, etc.) and just swap mine over. The spoiler would only run an additional $12, so that might be worthwhile to leave in place just to save the aggravation of swapping it.

Before I make up my mind whether to do this, I need to know how much of a pain is it to swap a trunk lid? The second thing is how much trouble/expense would it be to a) swap the lock cylinder out of my existing trunk lid or b) have a locksmith re-key the lock cylinder of the replacement trunk lid to work with the door/trunk lid of my car? The donor car had the ignition key in the switch but no door/trunk key. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

[i<3bonbons]

it's all pretty straight forward, only trouble spot might be the springs, I'd be cautious with those. lock cylinder is no probs, just take a good look at it, it's kind of self explanatory.

[wake]

the swap is really simple..just take your time and pay attention!

[human]

Thanks for the info. Are the springs you're referring to part of the lock mechanism or the tension bars that hold the trunk open? My plan for removing the trunk lid(s) was to unbolt it from the hinge arms.

[Bing]

Yes the "tension bars" are what you have to be careful with. Unbolting from the hinge arms should be no problem. Just take your time lining the lid back up to get all the gaps correct. That will probably be the most time consuming part of the project.

[human]

Thanks. Sounds like this is going to be a very do-able and cost effective project. I've got a friend with a pickup truck lined up to help me get the trunk lid and install it Friday afternoon. I'll let you know how it goes.

[human]

Well, I'm kind of perturbed this week because my friend who had agreed to go with me to get the trunk lid in his truck blew me off Friday and again on Saturday. It just reminds me why I hate being dependent on others for things. But it got me thinking of alternatives and had a harebrained idea a few minutes ago. Would the trunk lid fit in the rear seat are of the Bonneville? Needless to say, I'd put down an old bedspread or something to protect the upholstery. The other part of this equation is how heavy is the trunk lid? Could I handle it by myself? I'm in reasonable shape for being in my late 40s, but I'm no athlete and never have been.

So, is this do-able or am I insane for even thinking it.

[human]

At long last, the trunk lid swap is complete!

On the last day of summer classes last week, one of my students volunteered to go with me to get the trunk lid and today was the first day worked for both our schedules to do it. I got the deck lid with spoiler for $30 It was bloody hot outside and it literally took a lot of sweat to get the new trunk lid off the donor car and swapped over to my car, but now the car looks great. It'll look even better when I wash it tomorrow. The only snag we ran into was getting the lock mechanism put back together, but it's all good now.

Belated thanks to all those who offered insights and intellectual assistance with this project.

[Bing]

It probably looks so much better with the spoiler, if you didn't have one before. Glad to hear all went well and that you were able to make it work out.

[human]

My Bonne was never a 'bubble-butt'. Having the H4U (Sport Luxury Edition) package, the original trunk lid has a spoiler. Actually, I'm thinking of putting that spoiler back on the car when the weather cools off some. The one on the new trunk lid has some nicks on it that the other one doesn't.

I wish I had taken before and after shots (especially before I started in on the paint project earlier this summer). I guess I could post a pic of the old trunk lid and one of the car with the new lid in place.

[willwren]

You're lucky. There were three different colors of white in 1992 alone. If the new trunk has no spoiler, you'll have to drill the holes. It's a fairly easy job, but I'd also suggest some RTV around each hole before putting the spoiler on and bolting it down.

[laimisl]

I have my trunk lid torsion bar break second time now.

Did anybody try using the strut or shock, as they do on the Audi cars?

I am tired or replacing these torsion bars. Any ideas?

Larry

[laimisl]

Actually I used torsion bar from Buick, it is slightly shorter tiny bit but does the job.

It is much easier to replace the torsion bar then do do any other modifications to make trunk be held by shocks just like on some of the new cars.