Mike's trunk kit is awesome! Make sure you order the right one. We recently did a MK4 and modified the trunk, so we ended up ordering a MK3 kit. If you're running everything as shipped from Factory 5 you'll need the MK4 kit.
Sits pretty high up & does not take up any real room. Works very well. Good picture of them in my MkIV without the body.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 04-24-2019 at 01:15 AM.
Kevin
MKIV #8234
Coyote '14/TKO-600/3-Link 3:55 Rear I love the smell of 100 octane in the morning.
NITTO NT01 275X40X17ZR - 315X35ZRX17
Delivered 2/7/14 - Plate "COYOTE NC1965" 3/25/15
Looks like I'll be in the minority here. I used the Mk4 kit from Mike on my #7750 build. Mike is great to work with and I've used a bunch of his stuff. It does what it's supposed to and is relatively tight against the top of the trunk so mostly out of the way. However, I struggled to get the trunk lid to sit down flush with the body when closed. The struts push against the hinges when closed, and I tried everything to adjust the hinges but never could get it completely flat. Including taking the bulb seal out and adjusting the lid as far down below the body as it would go. Still with the struts attached it ended slightly above. I haven't seen this posted much of but have talked to a couple other builders who experienced the same thing. Maybe others figured it out better than me, e.g. a better location for the pivot on the hinge. Or found a better way to adjust. But just be aware of this from my experience. Your experience may vary. I used a latching type prop rod on my #8674 build. Not as elegant and requires you to push the latch to close. Works OK, is out of the way when closed, and puts zero pressure on the hinges. But definitely a little more work to install.
Another possibility is Factory Five now has a somewhat similar trunk prop option. I haven't seen it in person, but have seen it mentioned and pictured in several build threads. They've modified the hinges and added a connection for the struts and locate the other ends up by cockpit back wall, similar to Mike's design. I'm curious if they addressed the geometry of the strut connection on the hinges so they go over center (like the hood hinges) so aren't pushing the front edge of the trunk lid up up when closed. Something you may want to check.
Last edited by edwardb; 04-24-2019 at 06:12 AM.
Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread and Video Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. LS3 and 4L65E auto. Rcvd 01/05/2021. Legal 04/20/2023. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023.
Dave
Mk 3.1 - #6882 - 5.0L 302 - FiTech EFI - 3-Link - 3.08 Ratio - 15" Wheels
Greenhorn and doing the best I can
My photos are at: My Flickr acct
Videos are at: YouTube Videos
Paul noted on the force against the trunk latch. I was wondering if that would be an issue. I'll take a look at the FFR option before I commit.
You can always swap the struts out for lighter ones if the trunk lid is under too much pressure when closed.
Kevin
MKIV #8234
Coyote '14/TKO-600/3-Link 3:55 Rear I love the smell of 100 octane in the morning.
NITTO NT01 275X40X17ZR - 315X35ZRX17
Delivered 2/7/14 - Plate "COYOTE NC1965" 3/25/15
Paul noted on the force against the trunk latch. I was wondering if that would be an issue. I'll take a look at the FFR option before I commit.
Not the latch, the hinges. There's no pressure on the latch. Again though, full disclosure, this was my experience. Others may not have any issues with it.
Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread and Video Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. LS3 and 4L65E auto. Rcvd 01/05/2021. Legal 04/20/2023. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023.
Yes, the cylinders act upon the hinge arms and push the forward edge of the lid upward when it's closed. I've had guys take their cars home, add the struts and found that the trunk lid suddenly didn't fit properly---then when they disconnected the struts it all went back to good! You can mostly adjust to compensate for it though. FFR has used 3 different hinge arms on the Mk4 and the earlier thick "C" shaped ones seem to be more prone to doing it than the later squared off ones. Must be some sort of a geometry change????
It might just be coincidence but I wonder whether Mike has changed to softer cylinders because recent ones that I've had don't cause the front edge of the lid to pop up as much when the cylinders are connected...but on the down side they just barely hold the lid open. Maybe Mike will see this and respond.
I've not had my hands on one with the FFR "bayonet" shaped hinge arms and cylinders but will be interested in seeing if the geometry change with the cylinder acting on the hinge pivot from the other direction eliminates the problem.
Jeff
Last edited by Jeff Kleiner; 04-24-2019 at 08:48 AM.
This Dad Of Three Will Look Into Purchasing A Huge A__ Umbrella From Amazon after seeing your solution!
I have an old Corvette Prop-Rod from an early C-4 that I will likely install, but I Always Love Ideas That Are Multi-Purpose!
If anyone wants to buy Corvette Prop-Rod assembly, they can be purchased new from Ecklers Corvettes.
FFR #8305; IRS, 347; T5 Trans; EFI, 3.27 Rear; 17x9" Front; 17x10.5" Rear
Paint - Ford Magnetic Metallic Gray (J7) with Black Stripes; Painted by "da Bat"
Complete Kit Delivered 05/15/2014; Titled and Registered 4/14/2017 as a 1965!!
I like this idea, can you tell me how the fixed end mounts? Looks like a hole drilled through the frame rail? What holds it in? Can it be easily mounted in a finished trunk (carpet installed)? Close up pictures of yours installed would be nice. Thanks.
I like this idea, can you tell me how the fixed end mounts? Looks like a hole drilled through the frame rail? What holds it in? Can it be easily mounted in a finished trunk (carpet installed)? Close up pictures of yours installed would be nice. Thanks.
I used this as well. Carpet wont be an issue, but you do need to get to the back side. Its a challenge if you have the drop trunk, but not impossible.
I can't recall exactly what connects it behind the trunk wall though.
I am starting to steer people away from mine and into FFRs. There locating point on the hinge takes all the stress off the trunk lid. I can easily duplicate that.
Mike
I used Mike's kit and don't see any issue with the trunk getting pushed up. The struts are very light and require very little force to close the trunk. My hinges are the more square shaped ones.
I have the FFR trunk struts and do not seem to have any problems. I will say that they only hold the trunk in the full open position. They will not hold them, say at half way open. The trunk will just lower down. It is not like the hood that will pretty much open up as soon as you start to lift it open. Either way, they are up and out of the way and I actually installed them after having the body on. A little tight up in there, but not too bad and if you do not have the cubby hole that I have it would be much easier. HERE IS a link to my build thread on the subject. Hope it helps.
Thanks Mike for your open feedback [QUOTE][I am starting to steer people away from mine and into FFRs. There locating point on the hinge takes all the stress off the trunk lid. I can easily duplicate that./QUOTE]
I'll take a look at their offering (I still need to order a bunch of other parts from you)
I can't seem to find the FFR on trunk support on their website. Anyone have a part number or link on this ?
Thanks again,
Mark
Mk4 #9165, Base Kit with lots of options, Delivery on 08/17/2017, Coyote, TKO600, 2015 IRS, 18" Halibrands, 12.99" Wilwoods
I can't seem to find the FFR on trunk support on their website. Anyone have a part number or link on this ?
Mark
I looked too and didn't see it in their on-line catalog. Not everything is on-line. You'll have to call them.
Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread and Video Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. LS3 and 4L65E auto. Rcvd 01/05/2021. Legal 04/20/2023. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023.
I am starting to steer people away from mine and into FFRs. There locating point on the hinge takes all the stress off the trunk lid. I can easily duplicate that.
Mike
Hello Mike - How would this be achieved? I have your trunk support kit on my MK4 and I would be interested in modifying what I have to help with the alignment of my trunk. Other then the alignment issue, your trunk support kit is a good solution.
Thanks, Bob
I like this idea, can you tell me how the fixed end mounts? Looks like a hole drilled through the frame rail? What holds it in? Can it be easily mounted in a finished trunk (carpet installed)? Close up pictures of yours installed would be nice. Thanks.
Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed.
FFR #8305; IRS, 347; T5 Trans; EFI, 3.27 Rear; 17x9" Front; 17x10.5" Rear
Paint - Ford Magnetic Metallic Gray (J7) with Black Stripes; Painted by "da Bat"
Complete Kit Delivered 05/15/2014; Titled and Registered 4/14/2017 as a 1965!!
Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed
I like that set up.
Is the rod end catcher, attached to the trunk lid with two sided tape?
FFR6803RD, MK 3.1, 302 EFI, fr/rr disc brakes, WC-T5, c/w Hurst Competition Plus shifter, 3 link rear, Koni adjustable coil over shocks, dual roll bars, BBK 4-4 headers, 3.55 rear gears, BBK rear lower control arms c/w poly bushings. Ivy Green Metallic Arrived-02/08, On road 09/2010
I like that set up.
Is the rod end catcher, attached to the trunk lid with two sided tape?
I really like the setup as well. I had to cut the prop rod from Breeze a little - about 2 inches, but that was easy.
Yes - two-sided tape.
Steve
FFR #8305; IRS, 347; T5 Trans; EFI, 3.27 Rear; 17x9" Front; 17x10.5" Rear
Paint - Ford Magnetic Metallic Gray (J7) with Black Stripes; Painted by "da Bat"
Complete Kit Delivered 05/15/2014; Titled and Registered 4/14/2017 as a 1965!!
Here are some pictures. The prop rod has mounts that were made by another member of the forum that screw onto the top of the frame rail. They were installed on a finished trunk with the carpet installed.
Quick question, does the complete kit come with a trunk prop rod?
It's a $99 option on the order sheet.
Build 1: Mk3 Roadster #5125. Sold 11/08/2014. Build 2: Mk4 Roadster #7750. Sold 04/10/2017. Build Thread Build 3: Mk4 Roadster 20th Anniversary #8674. Sold 09/07/2020. Build Thread and Video. Build 4: Gen 3 Type 65 Coupe #59. Gen 3 Coyote. Legal 03/04/2020. Build Thread and Video Build 5: 35 Hot Rod Truck #138. LS3 and 4L65E auto. Rcvd 01/05/2021. Legal 04/20/2023. Build Thread. Sold 11/9/2023.
I used a simple brake line pipe with a rubber tip as a prop for my trunk. Cost me $1.00 for the rubber tip. I also connected the pipe to the body by making a simple bend and using a cotter pin and some washers. Pretty low tech and cheap.