2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission door hinge spring install

[GMichaels]

I rebuilt my door hinges and the detent spring needs to be installed. is there a method for doing this. I did do the drivers side but it was very difficult, figure there may be a better way before I do the pass side. So is there a good way to do this???

 

[ProMac1K]

Wish I knew. I had someone else reinstall my driver side, and it has since popped back out. I had some realligning work done on the door to fix a sealing issue. I think between that, and whatever limits the door travel, and the little piece of metal that holds the spring in, just pushing the limits of the door throw makes it pop out. Probably from pushing on the door when getting in. Everything's just worn out.



I'm anxious to hear as well.

 

[MrDiesel]

There is a special too for that job. It's sorta like a huge tweezer with a bolt half way in the middle. You put the spring in the large end and use a open end wrech or socket to clamp the spring down. Then you can slide it into the door jamb, and loosen the bolt to expand the spring exactly where it goes.

 

[GMichaels]

well figures thee would be a speacial tool. I guess its ack tot he crow bar. my spring pops out becuase the detent shaft and bushing is worn, it slides down and at that angle it will allow the spring to pop off. I pup a hose clamp around the shft to keep the assembly up.

 

[burnin oil]

I did a GM with a similiar set up without the special tool. Try using a HD zip tie to compress the spring. I put it in a vice to compress it then added the zip tie. Once the ziptie is on put it back in the door with a little tension to hold the spring in place. Cut the ziptie and remove it. 550 cord also works well and is probably a safer option as it has a higher burst rate than the ziptie. I also tried bare copper wire but it kept braking. If you try this method be careful as there is some serious tension on that spring when it is compressed.

 

[Joe Mc]

Where are you getting the hing pins. I've done a few on old cars that have a new pin and bronze sleeves. They worked well but, you had to drill out the hinge to accept the sleeve.



Is there an easier method?

 

[Hummin Cummins]

Do what burnin oil said. Thats how I did mine. I used two of the heaviest zip ties I had layin around. Scrunch it in a vice and then put on the ties. Put it in place and cut and remove the ties.