58 Bermuda Tailgate Support

Discussion in 'Cosmetic & Restoration' started by bermuda, Apr 10, 2014.

  1. bermuda

    bermuda New Member

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    The upper clamshell tailgate (the window) on my 58 Edsel Bermuda is held up by two extending supports which are locked in the extended position by a knurled knob that screws in.

    One of mine has a habit of sticking and is very difficult to undo once done up (and it has to be done tight to stay up - the window is heavy!)

    I read somewhere that only the early series cars used this design which carried over from the 57 Ford wagons. 58 Fords, and later Edsels, used a telescopic-type support cylinder.

    Anyway the supports on my car appear new - they are certainly in very good cosmetic condition - which suggests they were recently purchased. Does anyone know where i could purchase a replacement? Alternatively I could switch to the later style - anyone help?

    All the best, Tim
     
    bermuda, Apr 10, 2014
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  2. Krash Kadillak

    Krash Kadillak Well-Known Member

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    If you're open to modifications, how about a gas-pressurized strut? A good auto parts store would stock ones of different sizes - just pick the correct one and fab up some brackets.

    On the originals, All I remember are rectangular telescopic struts that had a spring-loaded button that popped through a hole when fully extended. To close, you just pushed the button - ?

    You might want to check with Jairus.......

    Marshall
     
    Krash Kadillak, Apr 11, 2014
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  3. bermuda

    bermuda New Member

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    Thanks - you are right about the rectangular telescopic strut but rather than a spring-loaded button there is a screw-in knob, it is this which gets stuck.

    I will investigate the gas strut option, probably a mobile home or trailer supplier is more likely to have those over here.
     
    bermuda, Apr 11, 2014
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  4. ModelT1

    ModelT1 Still Lost in the 50's

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    Would a simple squirt of WD-40 or something similar help? On my Chevy wagon it uses the push button style. Sometimes they are dry and don't want to release. I'd want to keep them original as much as possible.
     
    ModelT1, Apr 11, 2014
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  5. TKEBH964

    TKEBH964 Member

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    58 Ford and Edsel wagon should be the same. What you describe is not what I have on my 58 Ford, but it is hard to say which one is correct. I have a rectangular bar that locks, raise the liftgate a bit and it releases.

    Have you checked the service manual?

    Here is a link to the 1958 Ford service manual
    http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/manuals/Ford/1958/Service/
     
    TKEBH964, Apr 11, 2014
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