Installing door sprint '81

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Sep 30, 2006 | 05:39 PM

snilloc58

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From: Azusa California

Installing door spring '81

Hi, I am getting frustrated with this - need help!

Yes, I have read the following:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=67&TopicID=3

But I still cannot persuade the spring to move into the lower slot (top hole and slot are easy enough)

If anyone could share a tip, I'd appreciate your help

Last edited by snilloc58; Sep 30, 2006 at 06:58 PM.

Sep 30, 2006 | 05:59 PM

Tonys96

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From: Rosemount MN

If you have the door spring tool insert into lower spring, lever to apply enough tension to allow you to pull the spring rearward enough to line up with the bottom hole in the hinge, then tap the bottom of the spring with a hammer to get it up into position.

Sep 30, 2006 | 07:48 PM

snilloc58

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From: Azusa California

Yes, I have a tool (offset screwdriver) - in fact I have a few in various sizes, thus I didn't get the door spring tool from ecklers which seems to be the same thing...

But I haven't been able to get a good hold on the spring yet (with the screwdriver) due to the lack of a good angle and general lack of room

I did grab it with some long needle nose pliers and try to pull it back into the slot, but again I didn't get a good enough hold on it.....

Thanks for your tip

Sep 30, 2006 | 08:11 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

You might have to tap it down from the top a little.Sometimes the end that your trying to get in and is pointing up is a little too long.Sometimes I have to grind some off to get them to fit.

Oct 1, 2006 | 09:06 AM

Tonys96

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From: Rosemount MN

Have you seen the hole that you're trying to get the spring into, I looked at some pictures before I put mine in, couldn't see the rear spring hole, but could feel it.

It's a blind operation, but keep trying, after about an hour or so, you'll get it in just the right position and with a quick tap with the hammer it'll pop right in.

Oct 1, 2006 | 10:06 AM

snilloc58

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From: Azusa California

Thanks for your responses - I do know where the final hole is; just can't get it there. I'll try a little longer....

It might be worth it to grind off a bit of the end to help clearance, but I don't have a grinder

Hey, that would be good for Christmas!

DWnchhs, do you recall about how much - maybe I coud take off a couple hairs with a hacksaw....

Thanks again

Oct 1, 2006 | 01:13 PM

...Roger...

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From: Dayton, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by snilloc58

Hey, that would be good for Christmas!

DWnchhs, do you recall about how much - maybe I coud take off a couple hairs with a hacksaw....

Thanks again

Its differant with each spring.I have an old worn out unbroken spring that I match them with before trying to install them.Take as little off as is possible.Are you getting into the lower slot?

Oct 1, 2006 | 01:21 PM

snilloc58

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From: Azusa California

Mission accomplished!

I hacksawed about a dime's thickness off the end - then I was able to move the spring into the lower slot... might just have been perserverance, but whatever, it did the trick..

Next step was to flex the spring in order to position the end underneath the hole (used my offset screwdriver) and tap upwards *simultaneously* (used a big combination wrench, tapped with a hammer)

Voila! my door finally works!

Thanks everyone for your words of wisdom....