When your vehicle’s trunk lid is damaged, whether from a collision, rust, or wear and tear, you might be worried that it’s time for an expensive trip to the body shop. But if you source the right parts, tools, and guidance, replacing a trunk lid is a straightforward process that any proficient DIYer can tackle at home to save some money.

Whether you’re handy with tools, curious about DIY, or just feeling a little skint leading up to the holidays, Central Alberta Paint & Supplies (CAPS) has everything you need to handle your trunk lid replacement without spending a fortune. When you shop with us, we can walk you through why you might need to replace your trunk lid, how to choose the right one, and everything you’ll need to get the job done right. So, let’s dive into it!

Common Reasons for Replacing a Trunk Lid

There are several reasons you might need to replace your trunk lid, and collision damage is the most common culprit for this repair; rear-end accidents, even minor ones, can leave your trunk lid bent, dented, or misaligned, all of which can prevent it from closing correctly or compromise the metal enough to encourage rust and corrosion to form.

Speaking of rust, it’s another one of the top offenders for trunk lid replacement. Over time, rust can eat away at the metal, weakening the structure and leaving holes that compromise the integrity of the lid- which, in turn, compromises the integrity of your necessary electrical lines. As all Prairie drivers know, rust is a constant issue with our wet, salty, harsh road conditions.

Lastly, simple wear and tear can also take its toll. Hinges may become loose or worn out, the locking mechanism might fail, or the lid could start to sag from years of use. Whatever the reason, a damaged trunk lid not only looks bad but can also affect the safety of your vehicle.

Choosing the Right Replacement Trunk and Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the replacement process, you’ll need to do a little homework and preparation upfront for the best results. The first step is selecting the correct trunk lid for your vehicle. You’ll need to ensure the trunk lid is compatible with your car’s make, model, and year. Check your vehicle’s operator manual or consult with a trusted parts supplier like CAPS (with over 100,000 replacement part SKUs available… yes, literally) to ensure you’re getting the correct fit. It’s also worth considering the material- carbon fiber is light and flexible, aluminum is a great middle ground, and steel offers the most durability and heft, depending on your vehicle and needs.

Once you’ve secured the correct replacement part for your car, you’ll need a few basic tools to complete the work. Having these on hand before starting the job will make the process much smoother, so write a checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything. These typically include:

A socket set or wrench
Screwdrivers of various heads
A trim or glue removal tool
Ratchet straps (to hold the lid in place during installation)
A friend to help with lifting and stabilizing the parts

Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Trunk Replacement

Now that you’ve got your replacement trunk lid and necessary tools at the ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get down to business! If you’re a visual learner, you might want to have YouTube handy on a device nearby, but otherwise, you can follow along with these steps to replace your damaged trunk lid:

Open the Trunk and Disconnect the Wiring: Begin by fully opening your trunk and locating the wiring harnesses that connect to the rear lights, trunk release, and locking mechanism. Carefully disconnect these wires and set them aside to avoid damaging them during the replacement process. Pro tip: keep sandwich baggies or small bins on hand to store small or delicate parts so they don’t get lost or damaged.
Support the Trunk Lid: Use ratchet straps, a hoist, or have a friend hold the trunk lid in place to prevent it from falling when you remove the bolts. This is vital for health and safety, especially if the trunk lid is heavy or structurally compromised with sharp edges.
Remove the Old Trunk Lid: Using your socket set or wrench, loosen and remove the bolts that secure the trunk lid to the hinges. Once the bolts are out, carefully lift the old trunk lid off the vehicle. Depending on the size and weight of the trunk, this step may require two people. Pro tip: loosen the bolts in rotation rather than removing them one at a time, which may create uneven torsion and cause damaged bolts to shear off.
Position the New Trunk Lid: Position the new trunk lid on the hinges, making sure it aligns correctly and fits the vehicle’s couplings before screwing anything in. Insert the bolts into the hinges, but don’t tighten them all the way just yet- you’ll likely need to adjust the lid a few times to ensure a proper fit, stability, and even weight distribution.
Reconnect the Wiring: Reattach the wiring harnesses to the new trunk lid, ensuring everything is connected properly and securely. Before proceeding, check that all of the electrical components, like the lights and trunk release, are functioning. Pro tip: make sure you’ve discharged any static electricity from your body before touching the wiring.
Adjust and Tighten the Bolts: With the trunk lid in place, close the trunk slowly and gently to check its alignment. Make any necessary adjustments, then tighten the bolts completely, still rotating the order you tighten them. Make sure the trunk closes securely and sits flush with the rest of the frame. Have gaps? Go back to Step 4 and try again!
Final Checks: Once everything is bolted and connected, give your new trunk lid a few test opens and closes. Ensure it operates smoothly, aligns correctly, and locks securely. Pro tip: keep your repair tools handy for a few weeks, as the new trunk lid may require additional tweaks and adjustments as it settles- just like when rotating your tires!

The Team at CAPS Can Turn You Into a DIY Pro in No Time

Replacing a damaged trunk lid might seem daunting, but with the right tools and guidance, it’s a fairly simple project that a confident DIYer can handle. With a little preparation and planning, you can save money and keep your vehicle looking great on your own timeline and terms.

For the best replacement parts, tools, and expert advice, trust the Central Alberta Paint & Supplies team to have you covered. From the trunk lid itself to all the supplies you’ll need to get the job done right, CAPS has everything you need for a smooth and successful trunk lid replacement- or any other TLC your ride might need. Visit one of our locations or talk to our team today, and let us help you transform from a DIY novice to a replacement part rockstar!