[C2] C2 Driver side door - question
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Whitby Ontario
C2 Driver side door - question
Hi Guys - 1965 L79 Coupe - anyone ever removed anyone ever removed a driver`s side door without removing the instrument cluster ? Doing hinge bushings
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 534
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From: Conway SC
It can be done, but it is a royal pain in the A**, make sure to get a universal extension for the socket, it would be helpful to remove the steering column. I removed the seat & steering column to do it on my 65, good luck!
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Whitby Ontario
If its not a knuckle banging pain in the A** it would be no fun - Thanks I had read that you "have to" - of-course that's when I I have to try it first Think I can get it with flex sockets may drop out the steering wheel anyway as when adjusting the telescopic colum the horn like to co off - wire in there to fix - another bench project - thanks for your help !!...
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
I recently serviced the hinges on the left side and the column was not removed.(1967)....I did slightly lower it so I could remove the screws that hold the dash cluster in place to allow it to come out a very little bit..and that was it ...other than using extensions and sockets to get to the bolts.
DUB
DUB
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Reno Nv
2 bolts must be accessed thru the kick panel to pull the hinges, a PIA.
Team Owner
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Army
Pic with my dash in place and hinges removed - so a '65 must be different?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Reno Nv
I didn't touch the dash on my 67 but the steering column was out. IIRC the pedal assembly and wiring harness were a bit in the way though.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Central Arkansas
Thank you - when I first read the question and initial responses I figured there must be something I'd forgot since I removed my doors and hinges. Getting the loose hinges out of the pockets in the pillar may be fun, but getting the bolts out in the kick panel area shouldn't be.
Team Owner
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Army
Yeah - things got a little 'trippy' there for a moment.
To the OP: I don't think you need to remove the cluster to get the door hinges out on a midyear. If you look at the picture of my hinges on the door side you will see two small holes in between the six factory door bolt holes. These were drilled while the doors were on the car to accommodate a tight-fitting metal pin. This allows you to get the doors realigned fairly closely on reassembly by placing the pins back in the holes before tightening all the bolts. Might not get things perfect but it'll get you in the ballpark.
Here is my painter buddy and his pal drilling the pin holes on my '63...he is a big boy and could get more 'hind end' on the drill than I could. Mark each hinge as to its position (e.g. DS/Upper) and note the number of shims (if any) at each location.
A final word -- look into the Dorman hinge kits vs the repros the vendors sell. The repros were pretty crappy and loose fitting; I used Dorman #38400 kits
To the OP: I don't think you need to remove the cluster to get the door hinges out on a midyear. If you look at the picture of my hinges on the door side you will see two small holes in between the six factory door bolt holes. These were drilled while the doors were on the car to accommodate a tight-fitting metal pin. This allows you to get the doors realigned fairly closely on reassembly by placing the pins back in the holes before tightening all the bolts. Might not get things perfect but it'll get you in the ballpark.
Here is my painter buddy and his pal drilling the pin holes on my '63...he is a big boy and could get more 'hind end' on the drill than I could. Mark each hinge as to its position (e.g. DS/Upper) and note the number of shims (if any) at each location.
A final word -- look into the Dorman hinge kits vs the repros the vendors sell. The repros were pretty crappy and loose fitting; I used Dorman #38400 kits
Last edited by Frankie the Fink; May 11, 2016 at 01:52 PM.
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From: Charlotte NC
JUST TO CLARIFY:
EACH hinge is held in with 4 bolts to the hinge post....2 you can see when the door is open and TWO that are inside the hinge post.
The reason that some may suggest taking out the dash cluster is to make it easier to gain access to the TOP 2 bolts for the upper hinge.
DUB
EACH hinge is held in with 4 bolts to the hinge post....2 you can see when the door is open and TWO that are inside the hinge post.
The reason that some may suggest taking out the dash cluster is to make it easier to gain access to the TOP 2 bolts for the upper hinge.
DUB
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 58,061
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Army
JUST TO CLARIFY:
EACH hinge is held in with 4 bolts to the hinge post....2 you can see when the door is open and TWO that are inside the hinge post.
The reason that some may suggest taking out the dash cluster is to make it easier to gain access to the TOP 2 bolts for the upper hinge.
DUB
EACH hinge is held in with 4 bolts to the hinge post....2 you can see when the door is open and TWO that are inside the hinge post.
The reason that some may suggest taking out the dash cluster is to make it easier to gain access to the TOP 2 bolts for the upper hinge.
DUB
But I'd rather have a sharp stick in the eye before removing a C2 instrument cluster if I didn't have to - and you don't for this job
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Whitby Ontario
Thanks Guys - Yes to be clear - removing the hinges to rebuild on the bench - concern was Removing Two bolts holding the hinge to the body pillar - so to remove from the hinge pillar Upper hinge is where its a bit tight
Race Director
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From: Charlotte NC
BUT NOT so much wanting a sharp stick in my eye.
I do not have a problem in dealing with a dash cluster....but I do agree that the hinges can be serviced with it in place and like I wrote previously..I pull it out slightly.DUB
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Charlotte NC
The REAL FUN will be getting them back in the hinge when you are installing them....THAT is where your PATIENCE IS going to be TESTED.
***TIP****
TAPE your socket to your extension....then apply a small piece of some strip caulk to the inside of the socket and install the bolt so the bolt will stay in the socket and not fall out....because if it falls out...you will need a magnet to get it out of the bottom of the hinge post area.
DUB