I removed my boot lid and the hinges from the body about five years ago. I vaguely recall that removing the hinges from the body was a challenge as at least a couple of bolts in each hinge were difficult to access. Today I tried to refit the hinges to the car. How difficult could it be? After all, the service manual says that it installation is simply the reverse of the removal procedure!

I was able to install the two bolts on each hinge that are closest to the front of the car but didn’t have any luck with the two on each hinge toward the rear of the car. My fingers just don’t fit.

Anyone have any helpful tips on how to go about this? It must be easier than it appears.

This is just one more example of engineering done with little thought to the poor shmuck who had to assemble these cars on the line. I apologize if I insulted any Jaguar stalwarts. But, I could use some help.

Lin

 

Are there room for some studs ?
Not that the nuts would be any easier to install.

I've used one of these things to get the bolts started in many cases.
I also have been know to use plasticine and masking tape to hold the bolt in the end of the socket while I contort myself into some very awkward positions.

EDIT:
I see what you mean _ just had a look at mine.
Even if you could get the bolts started there's pretty much no way to get a socket or a wrench in there.

One would have to assemble the hinge/spring in-situ after it was bolted in place.

It looks like the pins can come out that hold the spring in place.
Bitch to get the springs back in though.

 

Hi Lin,

It's really easy, but you need a helper to hold the boot lid, with the boot hinge open remove the pin that holds the spring in place at the point where it meets the body and it will swing down, it is not in tension when open, do up the bolts and put the pin back in.

I struggled with this a couple of weeks ago, then I tried releasing the spring which I assumed would be under tension, but found it's not when open, after that it's plain sailing.

It is a blighter to get the gaps right, it would be easier I think if you got in the boot and someone else checked the gaps and then tightened up the bolts, but I am too darn stiff to get in the boot myself, so it was open-close-open-close until I got it where I was happy.

 

Thanks, Jon!
I just found some of my photos showing the spring removal. I had forgotten, but I did pull the pin to remove them. Interesting that the Service Manual does not even mention the need to do this. Suggests that whoever wrote the Manual had not “done the job.”
Lin

 

I didn't pull the pin when I took them off, but I can't remember how I got at them ! It must be our age !

I'd agree that the manual writer didn't do the job first Lin