Removing upper tail gait on a 1949 Traveler

[AZ_HJ]

Need suggestions on removing the upper tail gate on a late 1949 Traveler. I was warned that the coil springs at certain position have a lot of energy stored in them. I was told that it either needs to be removed while the tail gate is in the close position or open position to prevent the hinge arm assembly from 'snapping' around violently and possibly injuring myself. Can any one give me instruction on how to remove safely. I know that the Traveler had two different hinge arm assemblies. I have the later one that I hear is the better of the two.

[joefrazer]

I removed mine with the gate up. It's best done with two or more people...one to hold the gate and one to remove the lower spring arm bolts. Then, with the hinges still attached to the upper lid, remove the upper hinge bolts to free the lid from the body. Then remove the arms from the lid.