Is there an auto mechanic in the house?

I could use some help with something.

I have a 1998 Cavalier and the rods that run across the trunk that hold the it up when it's open fell out and I have no idea how they go are set back in.

well, you could always use brute force and weld them approximately where you think they look best

maybe a picture of the problem might help.

I can't picture those rods...

I'm trying to find a diagram/pictures of them.

Do they look like shocks or are they like the rods that hold a hood open?

The link below has a picture similar to what they look like but the picture isn't big enough to clearly see how they are put in. That and the car in the picture is a Chevy Malibu.

http://www.macpheelocator.com/stockI..._363_1001A.jpg

I asked my husband, the mechanical engineer who worked for Ford (pretty long time ago), designing prototype cars, suggested that you read the manual. Big help - Not!

I found this link that might be helpful:

http://www2.partstrain.com/v5/produc...ER+1998+Struts

It's not in the owner's manual and I don't have a Chilton book...yet.

It's not a strut like shown in the link. Just two seperate metal rods that fit into slots (there are three slots on each bracket which make me even more confused as to where they go).

My Dad had one to come loose on his car and never could get it fixed. You could always try what he did...cut a broom stick to fit and keep it in the trunk!

....but I don't wanna use a broomstick!

There is an Auto Zone nearby that is open until midnight, guess I'll just go up and get a Chilton manual.

I should have done it when I was up there earlier but I forgot. I had to replace my trunk latch and my daytime running lights relay.

I think I found something to help me:
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/catalog/frameset.cfm

They are called torque rods and are #21 in the illustration, this gives me an idea of how they are supposed to be placed.

Edit: The page I linked to isn't what is showing up, I'd have to post the actual diagram, not sure if I can.