I'm guessing trying to do this alone is a very bad idea. I've read through some old threads... looks like there are alignment pins or holes on it to get it back on correctly. One guy had a method where he tied onto the air foil, my car doesn't have an air foil so that wouldn't work for me. If anyone has a good way to do it solo I'd be interested. Pictures would be helpful if you have them.
Scribe around bonnet brackets to ensure proper placement when reinstalling Tape bodywork behind rear window sides and roof area where bonnet meets for protection Disconnect bonnet strut and license plate light connector Place a 4x4 across engine bay at the front of the luggage compartment and rest bonnet edges on it This allows you to access removal of the 3 13mm bolts on each bracket and will help balance the bonnet when bolts are removed Stand at rear of car and lift bonnet off Reinstall in reverse order. To align properly, snug bolts and use a pick in the holes in the bracket/bonnet to get back to your scribe marks then tighten.
You'd have be a gorilla to lift it off that way! The time I did it by myself, I could barely lift it up when it was sitting on the ground. It's about 100 lbs I'd guess. '89 328.
It can be done solo and I have done it several times alone, but it requires a few simple tools and the right set up. Depending on how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go, depends on how you set things up.
I have done it this way at least 15 times in the last 45 yrs! Granted it is easier if you have help lifting it off, but the procedure is still the same and it can be done by yourself. In fact, I keep the 4x4 stashed aside just for this purpose. The bonnet probably weighs 65-70 lbs. not 100.
I forgot to add. Place the rear (spoiler) against your thighs, grab the outside edges of the bonnet, then lift the front towards you.
Thanks for the info... I might try to do it solo... but I'm guessing I'd try lifting it and somehow drop it LOL, but sounds like a great plan for me and another helper.
I haven't needed to yet, but plan on using my tractor front loader with pallet forks and some heavy blankets. No way I'd try to lift it myself, too much can go wrong.
Not really... it's currently underneath a 2-post lift so technically I could use a strap on the top of the lift, but it would have to be so long I'd be afraid to try it. I think I'm just going to go with a 2-person job on it... seems like a much safer route for me to go.
holes are there but I think bet to nail polish lines or sharpie some lines in multiple places on the hinge. It makes it way easier. Then to get on and off make a rig like what is used to remove the hard-top on mercedes SL cars. It is just a pully and ropes set-up. It is pretty easy. But be carefull many have broken the back windows while taking off the decklid.
Similarly - I used old sofa cushions, or bean bag chairs, or large pillows, positioned over a 2x4 across the engine bay or just ON the engine bay. Easy access to the bolts (with bracket marked first as described by others) to remove the lid with one helper; Even easier to re-install the engine lid - put the cushions etc back on the cross-beam or just on the engine or rear firewall; place engine lid on cushions with helper; than can fine-tune and adjust angle, position, and location to line up with the brackets. Gordon
In my previous house I had eye hooks in the ceiling. With the lid open I tied two lengths of rope to each of the two u latch bolts. The first rope went straight up to the ceiling eye hook. The second rope went under the two side tunnels to the front of the lid then up to the ceiling to the front eye hooks. Raised the lid as needed. No helper needed, used the two alignment pin holes at the hinge points….
My process as well, but I used a wire mesh from a garage storage system to attach to. Image Unavailable, Please Login Then used straps to grab the deck lid, and drop it down to a cart. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
You definitely cannot just manhandle the thing on and off alone but with the ingenuity of your human mind you can certainly conjure up some sort of support gantry and rig to get the job done. Even balancing it on a big cardboard box or pile of pillows and blankets underneath is feasible but come on, you don't have two friends?.
One thing to add, I use cam buckle straps to hold the decklid. Ratchet straps are ok on the front, but at the back can make lowering it to a cart difficult if you are doing it yourself.
Okay sorry, change the "you" to an "I" because I couldn't do it, as far as I know because I wouldn't even try, but I did do the front lid by myself one time.
I am 5'6" and 135lbs. There is no way I can handle a large 65 lbs engine lid all by myself. So, I borrow a willing neighbor. That always works.
I've done it alone a few times.....but it's sooo much easier with help. It only 30-35lbs per side, my wife or teenage kids have no problem helping. But everyone I need to go ask for help I do think about a CF replacement, you know, so I don't hurt myself lifting it, it a safety thing
Is there anyone in the U.S. making these in GRP or CF? I know there is a company in the UK who does so, but the all in price with freight is pretty high, and you have to fab your own mounting arrangement.
