My spring has sprung ( Cargo Cover ) Fixable? *fixed with pics*

[Capriman86]

My cargo cover is in excellent condition minus its spring appears to have sprung.

I have tried to rewind it, and I hear the spring tighten, the FLANGGGG, i hear it unspring. Has anyone sucessfully repaired / restored these?

[Capriman86]

Do I have to be the guinea pig that tries to takes it apart first
I won't live with rolling it up and it unraveling on me..lol

Has anyone taken it apart at least?

[negusm]

Do I have to be the guinea pig that tries to takes it apart first
I won't live with rolling it up and it unraveling on me..lol

Has anyone taken it apart at least?

All mine have worked. But please be the first and take pictures!

[Capriman86]

All mine have worked. But please be the first and take pictures!

I was hoping you wouldn't say that..LOL
I will definately document my findings. I bet I/we can come up with something once we see the goods.

[Capriman86]

Guess what

[83rsturbo]

wish my cover looked that good mine is sun faded bad. but it rolls up
capriman your whole interior looks in nice shape

[93-331-29PSI]

Any shop that makes blinds can repair it. I had three done in Chesapeake Va.

[irvin]

well? how did you fix it? inquiring minds want to know. [meaning an
indepth how to]. your right . nice interior.--Irv

[Capriman86]

I will show you some pics I took shortly, just was busy.
I will hook ya up!

[4stangs]

I just need to tighten mine by a twist or two but didnt want to screw things up , please enlighten us

[Capriman86]

Well I have some pics to help aid you on disassembly.

I think I lost a pic or 2 that I had taken, but these will still make it less
scary to take apart.


Step 1
Remove the outer dowel pins from both end caps.

Step 2
Remove the end caps. They can be tough to pull off as the hole where
the dowel pin went through can make a burr on the rod.

Step 3
Remove the Green block and set aside.

Step 4
Remove the dowel pin holding that black piece. It has notches in it
that will need to be filed down.

Step 5
Take the spring out and stretch it out a bit.
This is so it will be tight between the black and red piece as it needs tension
to hold it locked on that down pin.

Step 6
Remove the red piece noting the orientation of the main spring sitting in the grove. There will be a small black piece sitting in the main spring you will need to take out temporarily while you stretch the spring on the next step.

Step 7
Stretch out the main spring by pulling out on it. That will also help push
the red piece into the spring, into the black piece and into the dowel.
Note: There is a black sleeve over the main spring that slides off and you can
put it back on after.

Step 8
Now that you have that black piece off you will need to clean up the groves
with a small jewelers file. See pics.

Step 9
Reassemble all the parts you just took off minus the end cap for now.
Check to see if the black piece locks on that dowel nicely with it being filed
and the springs being stretched.

Step 10
There are some little indentations on the main outer sleeve of the cargo cover
that has the material on it. See pics. Take a small nail set and a hammer to push them in more.
This will prevent the red pieces from sliding past them like mine was. Which
prevented the spring from holding its tension as well.

Step 11
On the other end side stretch the spring out between the red pieces.

Step 12
Reassemble back into the main cargo housing, install end caps, and reinsert the outer dowel pins
that hold the caps on.


I hope this is somewhat clear, please let me know if I can help clarify it.
Once its apart on a open clear work space and you take your time.

You will see what is what. But this should help you get an idea of whats inside.

[fredzilla]

Nice step by step explaination with great pictures... Looks like
step #10 is the culprit to most sprung shades...

[Capriman86]

I think that statement is correct Fred....Thanks!

[irvin]

very nicely done. should be a big help for a lot of fellow
4 eyed hatchback people. will it be put in the archives?
Irv

[drewqcampbell]

I still have the black one from my old 92 (which I sold years ago) it did the same thing so i just tossed it in my closet. Mine had some sort of real thick fishing line stuff that went from end to end????????The only reason I remembered that is I broke it trying ot take it apart

[Hissing Cobra]

Very nice writeup! I nominate it for archive purposes too. There's a lot of people out there who may need the help in repairing their's.

[86fiveoh]

great write up, may have to try this on mine, glad i saved it

[sowaxeman]

Awesome! This gives me something to work on this winter on my '82 GT as it is sprung too. I never use it, but at least and can try to fix it and claim she still works

[ponch85rs]

Man, this is awesome