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Frunk easy close spring mod
- Thread starter zhu-
- Start date
insaneoctane
Well-Known Member
Yep, I cut 3 coils and I still need a bit more. It pops up when first installed, but only releases a few days later and I have to use my nails to pull it up. Not too hard, but I will likely cut one more.
WilliamG
Hinge Fanatic
I’m using the fatter one from this package, though I am using the replacement struts.
Everbilt 1/4 in. x 1-1/2 in. and 11/32 in. x 1-7/8 in. Zinc-Plated Extension Spring (4-pack)-16086 - The Home Depot
Just installed a lighter spring, Prime-Line SP-9610, 5/8"(16mm) x 2.5"(6.4cm) x .072(1.8mm),19.1 lbs.
I cut 2.5 coils off to make the length similar to the original spring. It is definitely much easier to close and so far, consistently pops the frunk. I have not replaced the frunk struts.
Prime-Line Extension Spring 0.072 " X 5/8 " X 2-1/2 " Steel Polybag Of 2 49793096104 | eBay
Last edited:
chronopc
Active Member
Glamisduner
Active Member
Will this work with the self opening struts? I put the stuts on from the i1Tesla video and found they don't always lift the frunk 
chronopc
Active Member
My understanding is if you replaced the struts any spring would work.Will this work with the self opening struts? I put the stuts on from the i1Tesla video and found they don't always lift the frunk
Can confirm Prime SP-9609 is the best for factory struts. Perfect for those that want a softer close and do not want auto-opening hoods!
Glamisduner
Active Member
I wonder if I got knockoffs, I mean the part number and sticker looks the same, but I guess you never know these days.
Actually, it's a really good question. I used a compound wire cutting pliers that my Dad purchased decades ago. I might try long handled bolt cutters. It was a little tricky as I needed to cut a coil, separate it then cut the next coil. Bending the last one up also took a little work.
I used the Prime SP-9610, I tested it "as-is" and it worked fine but I chose to cut 2.5 coils to make it the same length as the stock spring so it had a little more tension when unsprung.
I almost posted the same quesiton after trying needle nose pliers, various wire cutters, metal wire cutters (that were too big for the small spring), and eventually gave up used a rotary tool (Dremel) to cut through the coils. Definitely wear safety glasses while doing this.
Then I made the new loop by wedging the spring in a bench vise and used a standard pliers to force the new end into shape.
EV-Tiger
Member
My understanding (from reading this thread) is that Tesla designed the spring so that the hood would pop up. If the frunk struts are replaced with the iTesla recommended struts, these new struts will pop the hood up. Thus a strong spring is not needed.
As far as long term, I don’t think it is a safety issues, but we (I) will see. If you have no issues closing the frunk using the stock spring, why change it out?
As far as long term, I don’t think it is a safety issues, but we (I) will see. If you have no issues closing the frunk using the stock spring, why change it out?
follow.johnny
FSD Beta Tester
Same experience with me! I love this easy mod and been using the trunk more often than the trunk now.
From the theories posted here, it seems like it was over engineered for edge cases rather than safety where weight is on the hood like snow/ice or when the rubber seal sticks to the hood from being closed for too long. If true, it's basically a trade-off (if any) of convenience. I've had no issues since replacing my frunk spring and I've used it more in the past few weeks than I did during the first six months of having the car.
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