MKIV Trunk Lid on a MK3 How-To

[frankeeski]

For any of you still working on a MK3 and wanting to install the non-perky MKIV truck lid and asking will it fit? The definitive answer is YES. With that, it really is not a direct bolt on because FFR changed to an under-mount hinge system and the MK3 does not have the brackets welded in place for the new style hinges. The lid itself does follow the contour of the body better than the MK3 lid I previously had mounted. What I am doing here is making my own hinge system. I stole this design from Dan Ziol and I'm putting my own spin on it. It does however resemble his and I actually made a template of his hinge arms as a starting point for mine. I will be updating this thread as I continue to move forward but I am nearing my 6th year of the build so it may be a while before this project is complete. I hope to have the car back on the road by April so we can attend the Huntington Beach Cruise-In, so wish me luck.

Here is where I'm at so far. I drilled some oversized holes in the mounting area provided on the bottom side of the trunk lid. I also drilled and tapped mounting plates which slid in between the inner and outer skin of the lid. Here you can see them with 1/4"-20 machine screws and washers holding the mounting plate in position.

Next I made 2 more mounting plates, this time for the surface of the inside of the lid. This is where the hinge arms will be welded.

This next picture is a bit grainy, I'll try and take another one and upload it later. Here you can see the hinge rod. This piece will bolt through the 3/4" arched frame support under the body and provide a pivot point for the hinge arms.

Close-up of the hinge rod and the sleeve that will provide the movement for the hinge system.