1980 Door Spring
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
1980 Door Spring
My LH door had a broken spring when I got it (found out when I got to it after my door did not stay open - forever). Anyway, got myself a new spring and spring tool (bent screwdriver) and put it in .... door stays open fine - FOR A WHILE, then the spring pops out .... 
WHAT keeps the spring in place? It looks like (when it is working) that is in correctly, but obviously I am missing something, or maybe my hinge is problem?????
WHAT keeps the spring in place? It looks like (when it is working) that is in correctly, but obviously I am missing something, or maybe my hinge is problem?????
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
There is a detent on the underside of the door hinge that the end of the spring seats in. You have to make sure it seats all the way in there for it to stay, some tapping may be required. Be carefull, that spring can bite, my thimb is just now healing from that little adventure
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
On originals there was a left and right. They had a grove cut into the spring that holds the spring in the hinge. You should see this grove. Most of the repros have two groves and fit both sides. Some are not formed well and the spring will come out.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Mine did the same thing. Got a small hammer and tapped on the bottom of the spring while holding the end of it in place with the bent screwdriver. There is a little indent there where the end of the spring seats, but mine was not lined up very well and wasn't catching it. A little pressure with the spring tool and about three solid whacks with the hammer and it's good to go.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Lapeer MI
Yep pound on it upwards until it stops moving up then it should be locked in place. If it pops out during this time I'd inspect the grove in the spring and possibly replace. Also, my spring was very violent and snappy until I used a good amount of white grease, now its smooth. Does your spring snap quite a bit when opening/closing the door?
