C5 CORVETTE FRC STICKY TRUNK LID POP-UP FIX | DIY NEW STRUT INSTALL AND HELPER SPRING LUBRICATION

[@robguillen2171]

I've got a '99 convertible and the trunk lid popping up was an issue. New struts, lubing the latching mechanism, and cleaning the gasket did help but the problem reoccurred within a short time (a few months to a year). The problem is mostly the struts - when brand new, it all works perfectly; but over even a short time, the struts lose just enough to hinder popping open the trunk but still retain enough that they do everything else they are supposed to do (hold the trunk open). I went with the helper spring on the trunk lid latch - get a compression spring at the hardware store, cut it to the appropriate length, twist one end into a loop tight enough to be held by the mounting screw/bolt, and install. Works great - just enough of an assist to give you an inch or so to get fingers under.

[@MongoosC5]

Had this problem with my wife's '00 Firehawk. Found the spring that works that lifter arm he was pushing on with his thumb and added a saddle tension spring (the really strong ones from inside the back of an electric guitar) alongside the factory one. Has been popping up like a champ for the past 8 years and that hatch is HEAVY. Might be worth a try for the C5.

[@markrichard526]

I did this same thing (besides the deep clean of the trunk lid and reservoirs). New struts didn’t seem to fix my issue however,Just the lubrication of the release mechanism you did at 8:08 did the job for me. Keep the c5 stuff coming, we love it 🍻

[@FYRARMS]

Currently own my second '03 C5Z. This one is a 28K mile cream puff, but the first one had 75K miles. Neither of them had an oily trunk lid like yours. That is definitely weird. I added a "popper" spring from the hardware store to help the trunk lid of my first C5Z, but just simply replaced the struts on my current one like you did. Oddly, I have a carpeted MDF trunk partition, but can still do the "shut the driver door" trick. LOL 😆

[@VetOnVettes]

Yeah, I'm still scratching my head on that sticky mess 🤷🏼‍♂️. That's crazy the door trick still works 🤪. And yes, the $10 struts will fix you right up 🤙👍

[@richardelliott8352]

I remember when everyone was following an internet advice post to add such a popper spring, instead of restoring correct function, when it is so easy. So easy in fact, that I went and bought new struts for the entire car, just so I wouldn't have to have any problems going forward with my used car. I bought them from struts are us , using the same manufacturer who supplied the OEM parts. I've so far just been keeping them in the fed ex box they came in, for a couple of years. they last longer that way, no doubt.

[@blucas8963]

I replaced my struts and lubed the hinges last year, with no improvement. I'm definitely going to try cleaning mating surfaces and lube the helper spring. I didn't even know the helper spring was there! Lol!

[@chadneal07]

I hope you see this, I watched a video of yours a minute ago you have apple car play tablet and a different dash in your c5 then i do in mine. Where did you get that dash and where did you get the apple car play tablet thing? I’ve been trying to find them but i have no idea where to get it. If you could help me that would be amazing!

[@LarrySanders-n4z]

Try using lemon ammonia on it. That's what I use on the steering wheel to remove sticky stuff.

[@ericswild]

I have a convertible that has a lot more carpeting in the back. I have never seen that greasy mess before, unless you have an over happy armor-all user.

[@46miles]

same here

[@xX4wdriverXx]

I just did the struts on the vert I just bought and right away it started popping up again, after sitting a couple days it came up just a 1/4 inch however if I open it once it pops up the rest of the day. Good tip about the spring and latch and cleaning.

[@richardelliott8352]

be careful not to sit groceries, or any weight on the trunk . the very slight , but noticeable to the owner, me, pagoda effect on my trunk lid was explained to me as someone doing that regularly.

[@lorigilbert3173]

That's very odd 🤔 I hope you figure out what's causing it. Cool door trick to open the trunk lol. My coupe has a secret trunk trick as well. If I manually use my key in the driver door and turn key like 3 times the trunk pops open 😂

[@sc7453]

I used a set of vise grips and bent the spring end up more which solved the problem

[@VetOnVettes]

That's clever 💡

[@josephberger9441]

The black plastic starts to degrade and gets that sticky film older. Ferraris switches on the inside get the same way.

[@AlexA-bx8jr]

dang, that helped a ton

[@wizardwingman3654]

When was the last time you cleaned inside the trunk? Dude, that’s nasty.😮

[@VetOnVettes]

Probably years man. I don't think the previous owners did either

[@wizardwingman3654]

@@VetOnVettes 🤪😂

[@JAGacp45]

I'm not sure that's oil it looks like some kind of paint or coating that your cleaner was reacting to.. I went and looked at mine 02 convertible and it's totally dry even when I spray cleaner on it... so I'm not sure why that stuff rubbed off like it did but I'll keep an eye on these comments to see what everyone thinks

[@richardelliott8352]

there are some mirror kits that someone might have stick on the trunk , and then removed after they figured out, like everyone else not at a car show, that the extra weight doesn't help open the trunk. But since oil is continually all over the back of his car, I would say the most obvious understanding is that the vaporized oil was able to flow past the seals, which were designed to be watertight , not gas proof.

[@richardelliott8352]

I hate to be so negative for such a simple concern, but if the struts were immaterial to function , they wouldn't be there . All the rest of the advice is on target, except I would seldom use a solvent on a painted surface I valued. .

[@EDGEWOOD-RC]

Oh god i hope its not off gasing......Plastics

[@VetOnVettes]

Weird. It may be 🤷🏼‍♂️. The car is approaching 25 years old.