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Has anyone successfully replaced the original springs in their door handles? .. the ones that run along the pin.. I am not talking about the aftermarket L-shaped spring that can be dropped in - or replacement door handles...
Has someone had luck finding a spring at a hardware store or off of some other product?
I replaced those.
I think I got them from Paragon.
Of course, you need to remove the handle assy from the door in order to pull out the hinge pin to be able to insert the new spring.
Rgds. Günther
Edit: Your right, can't find the springs anymore in any of the big parts catalogues, strange.
I guess that a ordinary srping looking similar would do.
I replaced the left side spring. I bought one of those packages from the "Help" rack that has an assortment of springs at an auto zone type store. Used one that was close to the original size, cut it down to fit and works fine.
Glenn
I replaced the left side spring. I bought one of those packages from the "Help" rack that has an assortment of springs at an auto zone type store. Used one that was close to the original size, cut it down to fit and works fine.
Glenn
I replaced the passenger side door spring with one of those "L" shaped ones ($6) and it holds the handle up nicely. When I open that particular door, I do it from the inside so I won't bend the spring.
I bought one from Ecklers that they sell as a 68 only just to see how it was configured. But there is not enough coils in it to match my 73. I couldn't find any vendors that sell them other than the flat sheet metal spring.
It doesn't look very hard to make your own. which I will probably land up doing.
The shaft on the handle is riveted on so the upset part of the rivet will need to be bent out or cut off and another head put on. Has anyone tried this.
How..or should I say what is the outside difference between reproduction door handles from the originals, once installed is there a particular visual area you look for?
How..or should I say what is the outside difference between reproduction door handles from the originals, once installed is there a particular visual area you look for?
Many of the repros are made in china and don't fit right or have the correct shape. The gaps around the handle are not uniform, and the surface curvature is off so it does not sit flush on all sides. There was a thread a month or two back showing these problems. Better off repairing you're original, or buying a used one.
Glenn
I remember seeing them for the 68 and just assumed they fit all C3's. I didn't take the time to count the amount of coils. I did check around and couldn't find anything similar to fit but maybe I haven't looked long enough. If anyone does find a replacement can they please post up.
Why shouldn't the 68 spring fit the later handles ?
It is basically the same handle the spring has to hold up.
It dives down when grabbing the same amount .
I would use it , regardless of the number of coils.
Why shouldn't the 68 spring fit the later handles ?
It is basically the same handle the spring has to hold up.
It dives down when grabbing the same amount .
I would use it , regardless of the number of coils.
Rgds. Günther
Less coils means a stiffer spring with less available deflection, assuming wire dia, coil dia and material are the same. It could also possible mean that the material stresses are higher. Maybe GM found this springs break a lot so they added coils to reduce the stress.
I haven't looked into this in detail yet since I'm busy with me '73 chassis. I bought the 68 spring more out of curiosity as to why it is only a 68. So now I know. I most likely will wind my own on a lathe...or weld 2 or 3, 68 springs together.....well,,,maybe not.