I have got to replace one too. 
Door spring install
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Door spring install
This stupid thing has got me pissed! I chipped the fender paint and never got it installed, I have the high dollar bent screwdriver and everything. I searched threads and the best suggestion was to line it up and hit it with a hammer.....really??? OK line it up where, how and what do you do with that stinkin scrwewdriver??? I just rebuilt the suspension and can't get the stupid spring figured out!!!!! Help!!!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
Over in tech I finally found a great thread with pics that the Wilcox guy wrote up, I will post a link.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1575877781-post13.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1575877781-post13.html
Last edited by 81pilot; Aug 11, 2011 at 09:04 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Myrtle Beach South Carolina
Just put one on my '73. Lot's a adult vocabulary was used, but I finally got it. You almost need three hands, because once bent into position, it has to go UP about 1/4 inch into a little known slot (on the bottom)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Over in tech I finally found a great thread with pics that the Wilcox guy wrote up, I will post a link.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1575877781-post13.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1575877781-post13.html
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,581
Likes: 50
From: Prosper TX
I gave up on mine. You know, I think some of those may be not the correct shape. I know how to read directions and I have patience. That S.O.B. wouldn't go 'up' in the slot and I think it's because it's slightly bent that won't allow it to go in to the slot. Yup, I have the tool as well and tried everything.
I think I'll just do without. PITA. Not worth it.
I think I'll just do without. PITA. Not worth it.
Terrorizing Orange Cones
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 17
From: Northern CO
I gave up on mine. You know, I think some of those may be not the correct shape. I know how to read directions and I have patience. That S.O.B. wouldn't go 'up' in the slot and I think it's because it's slightly bent that won't allow it to go in to the slot. Yup, I have the tool as well and tried everything.
I think I'll just do without. PITA. Not worth it.
I think I'll just do without. PITA. Not worth it.
Since it has been a few days, maybe I'll go back to the hinge and try once more. I hope I don't chip any more paint either; that's when I stopped last time.
Thanks for adding Ernie's link too!
Last edited by Dustup7T2; Aug 12, 2011 at 09:39 AM. Reason: add text
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 38
From: Roseville CA
I installed one on my passenger side about a month ago. Yes, this is a rated "R" installation (no children under 17 around when you do the install). 
Once you get the spring in position, you need to hit it hard with a hammer to pop it into place. 
Once you get the spring in position, you need to hit it hard with a hammer to pop it into place.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,850
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=26946
I have this saved on the site under the Tech Pictures section. There are tons of pics in there and we are going to leave these turned on unless we move something to the help and repair section. (dang that green hinge is ugly)
I have this saved on the site under the Tech Pictures section. There are tons of pics in there and we are going to leave these turned on unless we move something to the help and repair section. (dang that green hinge is ugly)
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
One item that helped me was to put a small mirror at the bottom of the door looking up. I could then see underneath the hinge to see where the spring needed to go. This helped give some additional visual information to get the spring to go into the correct hole.
The informaiton that Willcox posted is good. I wished I had this type of image when I was starting mine.
kdf
The informaiton that Willcox posted is good. I wished I had this type of image when I was starting mine.
kdf
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 938
Likes: 15
From: Valdosta Georgia
I've done this twice, on both Vettes I've owned. I get the spring set in, then hold it from underneath with a long pry bar. Just enough pressure on it to keep it from falling, but not enough to make it slip out (which it WILL do). Then once its all in place, I tap the pry bar with a hammer until it seats. I usually get it after a few tries. I've never used the bent screwdriver. Keep at it, taking breaks for beer or cool off time, and you'll get it. 
