I have noticed a few people wondering about weak boot springs on S1, 2 and 3’s. In my experience, the problem is NEVER a weak spring, but wear in the hinge pivots. ( see photos) My cure is to make up some bushes from mild steel or bronze, whatever is available, outside diameter about 1\2 " (13mm) inside diameter 3\8" (10mm) and make replacement pins from 3\8 rod or bolt and weld washers on the end. Should now last another 50 years. Note how plate has started wearing away the sides of the main bracket and the eyelet where the spring is secured is wearing away.
Forgot to mention, the worn parts will need welding up, ditto elongated holes and redrilled to accept new bushes.You could just drill everything oversize and fit oversize pins, possibly bolts. There might be clearance issues doing it that way which is why I weld washers on. Removing the spring is not as difficult as it might seem, just secure in a vice and lever it off the pin with a large screwdriver.Refitting is equally simple.
Kudos:
That will make your car enjoy "hundred miles an hour boot hinges !!
Carl