New rear deck lift spring fix
 

I've done the "penny" fix to strengthen the rear lift springs.
Found this does not last forever.Also,there is the potential problem
of damage to the body panel from the rod in the spring assembly.
It just came to me that we have been looking at this fix sorta backwards.
I thought of the 50/60s cars with huge coil springs.They got weak over time.
You could buy rubber inserts that would go between the coils...stiffened the spring.
Why would this not work on these spring lifts?
It does!
I took two small pieces of rubber,about 1/4" long and inserted them on each side of the lift spring.You need to pry the spring open with a small screwdriver to insert the rubber(I cut the rubber shim from a old gas cap gasket).
You now have a stiffer spring from the inside out rather that it being compressed.
Reassemble--pops open with one touch or,the remote.

Zero cost.
Done in 15 minutes!

hmmmm. any chance of pics?

I definitely want to see pictures of this also please!:icon21:

same here

Currently having a problem uploading pics to this site.Direct-sent pics work?
Go figure...PM me if you need a pic of the spring with shims inserted.I'll send
you one.
I am assuming that "everyone" knows about the legendary "penny fix""and how to
remove the spring assembly,take off the rubber sheath etc.
Maybe not.
Suggest doing a search.This topic has been covered a gazillion times.The problem
is so common that its OEM!
As mentioned in my original post,this fix is unbelieveably easy.
You can use any type of a piece of rubber(rigid)for the shims.
A chip cut from a old urethane bushing will also work.
You should place the shims "staggered"...not directly across from
each other.
This fix is so obvious I'm surprised someone did'nt come up with the
idea long ago.Maybe they have.Just did'nt share the idea.

perfect life saver! worked perfect. z1 should sell heavy duty replacement springs, oem are weak

Just tried this fix, used a penny and a nickel. Works!

Now just need to get around to replacing the struts because they won't keep the hatch up in the cold.

You stated the shim is 1/4 inch long. But how thick?. You cannot talk about a shim without giving thickness. Anyway good job

Went to Dealer and paid $80 dollars for two new updated springs for my 06 and it still would not pop the hatch after 2 days....I was so pi$$ed off, i had to add 2cents on each side to make it work, so now i can add this trick to get me by for another 6 months. Nice Mod!!

That is temp fix... go to http://350zhatchshocksandmore.com/ to get better shocks... This is Jason zya on here

^^ Also... Check prices on eBay for hatch shock upgrades.