Trunk-lid Torsionspring Notes
First Published Jan2020, R. Kwas, updates on-going
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Trunk lids of 122 and 1800 vehicles are supported by two Torsionsprings which through their preload, supply an opening force to the lids to hold them in-place. These springs were typically in the first (lowest) preload position of their mounts, as the vehicle was assembled and delivered. As the springs relax after 50 years, it may be necessary to compensate for the reduced preload by moving their ends to the second position. I suppose there may have been some individuals who have successfully done this using standard tools, but I found it quite tricky, having tried this unsuccessfully also, because applying the necessary force is awkward and the force these springs store is substantial, such that if something goes very wrong and the slipjoint pliers slip out of place, much force can be uncontrollably released causing damage or injury...at the very least, scaring the hell out of the cat which might be watching! It's best and recommended to use the Special Volvo TOol (SVO2572) shown below, and wear eye protection! This is not a joke!...shrapnel from a broken spring is every bit as unhealthy as that from a Claymore!!
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From: (Factory Body Service Manual for 120 Page 6-18): http://volvoamazonpictures.se/documents/sevice_manuals/8Body120.pdf ...not showing the use and application of SVO2572 particularly specifically...I expect when one has the tool in-hand, and can apply it to the Torsionsprings, that it becomes clearer...after I get the tool in-hand, I will post some more explicit pictures.
Here, a bit more detail on SVO2572. From Tradera (Swedish on-line auction site).
A picture of SVO2572, fabricated by tiblu of the Swedespeed forum:
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I am going to weld up my very own version of a SVO2572 sometime...if you would like to rent/borrow it for $20 (against a $50 core charge, to assure I get it back!), send me an e-mail to see if its available.
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The P1800 also used Torsionsprings to support the Trunklid.
PLACEHOLDER FOR 1800 TRUNK-TORSIONS SPRING INFO
The 1800ES used Gas-charged to support the unique glass rear Hatch/Window.
PLACEHOLDER FOR 1800ES INFO
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Links:
Swedespeed Forum Thread - Amazon Trunk Lid:
https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/amazon-trunk-lid.314857/
Picture of a Sodeman Gas-Charged-Strut from posting #18 in the thread:
Picture by TSORES of the Swedespeed Forum and used with his kind permission.
https://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?314857-amazon-trunk-lid&p=7341477#post7341477
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Reference Information:
From factory manual (picture quality is better, but still less than explicit!):
Loosening Torsionspring.
Removing Torsionspring.
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Update: 12/2020 Pascal W. has taken up the the project, making his own version of the SVO2572 and putting it to work. His version is actually two separate tools featuring the necessary end treatment to control the Torsion Springs. Unfortunately, he is in France, so stateside owners will still have to wait until a stateside source becomes available or I produce the SW-EM version! E-mail for availability! Pascal's pictures used with his kind permission.
Pascal was even kind enough to make accurate mechanical drawings:
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External material sources are attributed. Otherwise, this article is Copyright © 2024. Ronald Kwas. The term Volvo is used for reference only. I have no affiliation with this company other than to try to keep its products working for me, help other enthusiasts do the same, and also present my highly opinionated results of the use of their products here. The information presented comes from my own experience and carefully considered opinion, and can be used (or not!), or ridiculed and laughed at, or worshipped, at the readers discretion. As with any recipe, your results may vary, and you are, and will always be, in charge of your own knuckles, and future!
You are welcome to use the information here in good health, and for your own non-commercial purposes, but if you reprint or otherwise republish this article, you must give credit to the author or link back to the SwEm site as the source. If you don’t, you’re just a lazy, scum sucking plagiarist, and the Boston Globe wants you! As always, if you can supply corrections, or additional objective information or experience, I will always consider it, and consider working it into the next revision of this article...along with likely the unique metaphor and probably (likely) wise-a** comment.
